Nuclear Power Rollout: Russia and Uzbekistan officially kicked off construction of Uzbekistan’s first nuclear power plant, with Putin and Mirziyoyev launching the first reactor unit and the project using Rosatom’s RITM–200N design under IAEA supervision. Energy & Grid Reliability: A technical fault at Tashkent’s thermal power plant triggered a temporary blackout across five districts and briefly disrupted metro lines before power was fully restored. Trade Flows: Uzbekistan’s foreign trade hit $26.3bn in Q1 2026, with imports rising sharply on machinery and industrial inputs even as exports fell. Logistics Investment: Oman’s Asyad Group agreed to acquire controlling stakes in key Uzbek logistics platforms, aiming to link Omani ports with Central Asian rail/road and warehousing. Agriculture Value Chains: ICBA and Uzbekistan’s innovation agency launched a Farmers’ Accelerator program in Karakalpakstan to help farmers commercialize crop value chains. Regional Diplomacy: Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan reaffirmed strategic partnership after Kyrgyzstan’s UN Security Council election; leaders also discussed cooperation across transport, energy, and culture. Mobility Tech: Kyivstar’s Uklon signed to acquire Ukraine’s E-wings to expand its electric scooter micromobility offering. Environment & Health: Uzbekistan hosted GEF-related discussions, while One Health progress in Central Asia was reviewed with the World Bank and regional health, agriculture, and environment ministries.