11/04/2023
Russia in Central Asia after the war in Ukraine.- Javier Ruiz Arévalo
The Russian invasion of Ukraine has caused a geopolitical upheaval throughout Central Asia and has upset the geopolitical balances of the region. Not everything that has happened there since then is linked to the war, but it must be interpreted in any case taking it into account. In many cases, the war has only accelerated processes that were already underway, such as the distancing of the Central Asian republics from Moscow, the growing presence of China or the growing interest of the EU in this region. In general, it can be said that the Central Asian republics today are more distrustful of Russia’s presumed expansionist ambitions and of its capacity as a guarantor of their security. In addition, the economic sanctions imposed on Russia have forced them to seek alternative routes for their exports, which traditionally transited through Russia. All this will produce lasting long-term effects that can only be partly anticipated.
Document prepared by Javier Ruiz Arevalo. Colonel of the Land Army. PhD in Law. @jmruizarevalo