Some Central Asian countries are making it clear that they are not ready to take risks and may join Western sanctions against Russia.
EDnews reports that Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin said this on Tuesday at the III Central Asian Conference of the Valdai International Discussion Club.
"Despite the coincidence of positions regarding the unacceptability and illegitimacy of unilateral economic restrictions, a number of Central Asian countries nevertheless do not want to take on the corresponding risks, they make it clear that they are ready to follow Western restrictive measures," the deputy minister said.
Speaking to Ednews, the British political scientist expressed his opinion about the likelihood of Central Asian countries joining the sanctions and the significance of this region for Russia.
“The fact is that control over the countries of Central Asia has become key for Russia, because relations with China and other Far Eastern countries with a socialist or communist spirit have been a lifeline for Russia after the imposition of sanctions, and transport links pass through their territory. In addition, a lot of energy and goods come from Central Asia."
The expert also spoke about Russia's efforts to ensure the presence of these countries in the Russosphere.
During the conversation, the political scientist also gave examples of the suppression of coups in a number of countries:
“Russia sought to stop any attempts to the contrary, primarily with an attempted coup in Kazakhstan against the progressive policies of President Tokayev.
Another example is the coup and riots in Kyrgyzstan.”
In conclusion, the political scientist also spoke about the economic significance of Russia for these countries and what determines their readiness to join the sanctions:
“Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan have maintained strong ties with Russia, which has been supplying more and more energy in recent months. The fact is that the countries of Central Asia are not a homogeneous entity. Their willingness to join sanctions will be determined by the extent to which their current structure and ruling elite are connected and supported by Russia, the level of their bilateral economic relations, and whether they see alliances with Turkey and the Turkic world or with the West as the best prospect for the future.” .
Nurlana Hajiyeva
