Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev stated that the country must be "ten times stronger" than Armenia "every day," explaining this by the need to maintain military superiority even after the initialing of a peace agreement between the two countries. He outlined his position on October 2 at the 8th Congress of the ruling New Azerbaijan Party in Baku.
New Year's trees and winter bouquets are the cheapest in the North Caucasus. According to research, the average Christmas tree bill in the North Caucasus Federal District is 3,300 rubles, significantly lower than in other federal districts, especially compared to the Far Eastern Federal District, where the average price reaches 7,000 rubles.
This trend also continues for winter bouquets: in the North Caucasus Federal District, they can be purchased for an average of 2,200 rubles—the lowest price in the country.
It has also been reported that some republics in the North Caucasus Federal District have cancelled expensive fireworks displays and other entertainment. In particular, Kabardino-Balkaria and Stavropol Krai will not host any large-scale New Year's events.