AnewZ Morning Brief – 31 May 2026
Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for 31 May, covering the latest developments you need to know....
Saud-based DataVolt has launched its first 10 MW data centre in Uzbekistan and plans a sweeping investment expansion of up to US$5 billion by 2030.
The initial 10 MW centre began construction in May 2024. This project is central to Uzbekistan’s ambition to convert its landlocked geography into a land-connected digital hub, reinforced by a planned trilateral fibre-optic corridor via Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan under the Caspian Sea.
Why it matters
Uzbekistan, historically insulated by geography, is actively reversing its landlocked constraints by building infrastructure that links it directly to global digital routes. The Caspian seabed cable—extending 380 km from Aktau (Kazakhstan) to Sumgait (Azerbaijan)—is set to carry high-capacity data and serve as a strategic east–west digital bridge. The initiative is part of the larger Digital Silk Way strategy to connect Asia and Europe via secure, alternate digital routes.
By diversifying its digital channels, Uzbekistan expects to reduce reliance on European transit routes that may be vulnerable or congested. The new infrastructure is also designed to support cloud, AI, and data services within sovereign territory, improving latency, resilience, and control over critical digital assets.
Who’s involved & how it’s structured
The project is a cooperation between Uzbekistan’s government (including the Ministry of Digital Technologies and the IT Park), DataVolt, and regional partners in Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan. Uzbekistan’s ministry and IT Park signed a strategic agreement with DataVolt for a 10 MW Tier-3+ green data centre. During a July 2025 meeting, DataVolt committed to integrating renewable energy usage and I-REC certification for green power as part of its infrastructure model.
The data centres will start with the 10 MW facility in Tashkent’s IT Park. (This centre is supported by $150 million in investment. In subsequent phases, smaller sites are planned in Bukhara (40 MW, expandable to 250 MW) and a large 250 MW facility in the “New Tashkent” area on 25 hectares.
On the Caspian cable front, the Kazakhstan–Azerbaijan underwater link is entering its active phase. The line is expected to be operational by end of 2026, with a projected capacity of 400 terabits per second.
This strategy could transform Uzbekistan into a digital transit and service hub—not just within Central Asia, but as part of a broader East–West digital axis. By bridging geography with fibre and data, Uzbekistan may steadily convert its landlocked status into one of land-connectedness—anchoring its place in the global digital order.
A group of Azerbaijani civil society organisations has called for increased scrutiny of Swiss building materials giant Holcim, citing court rulings and ongoing investigations linked to its subsidiary Lafarge's activities during the Syrian conflict.
Iranian-made Yassin missiles were spotted mounted on Armenian Air Force fighter aircraft during Armenia's latest military parade on Thursday (28 May), drawing attention from defence observers and regional analysts.
Thai rescuers say five people have been pulled alive from a flooded cave in remote Laos, where seven villagers became trapped after heavy rain cut off access underground.
The Philippines remains under a "severe threat" from China despite recent efforts by Washington and Beijing to ease tensions, Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro said on Saturday (30 May).
Russia has recalled its ambassador to Armenia for consultations, citing Yerevan's growing rapprochement with the European Union. The move is seen as the latest sign of deteriorating relations between the longtime allies ahead of Armenia's parliamentary election on 7 June.
Donald Trump said he is “in no hurry” to reach a deal with Iran, insisting the U.S. is slowly getting what it wants. He warned military action remains an option if talks fail. Meanwhile, U.S. forces said they fired a missile at a vessel trying to breach Washington’s blockade of Iran.
On 28 May, the EU's foreign policy chief called for Russian troops to leave Georgia and Moldova. By the end of the same day, both Tbilisi and Moscow had dismissed her. The symmetry tells a story of its own.
Iranian-made Yassin missiles were spotted mounted on Armenian Air Force fighter aircraft during Armenia's latest military parade on Thursday (28 May), drawing attention from defence observers and regional analysts.
Russia has recalled its ambassador to Armenia for consultations, citing Yerevan's growing rapprochement with the European Union. The move is seen as the latest sign of deteriorating relations between the longtime allies ahead of Armenia's parliamentary election on 7 June.
At least 22 people have been killed - including children - and 35 others injured after a truck carrying Afghan returnees overturned in eastern Afghanistan, local officials say.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment