Russia Concerned Over Western Influence in Central Asia, Leaked Document Shows

A presentation intended for internal Russian government use, recently obtained by The Financial Times, reveals Moscow's concerns about Western influence over Central Asian states, particularly Kazakhstan, reports Orda.kz.

However, the document has not been verified.

Presented at an April 2024 strategic session led by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, it acknowledges that Western sanctions have effectively distanced Moscow from its traditional trading partners.

According to The Financial Times, Moscow aims to create a Eurasian trade bloc to rival Western and Chinese influence, but the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), which includes Armenia, Belarus and Kyrgyzstan along with Kazakhstan and Russia, faces “systemic problems," such as sanction risks and the use of different payment systems.

The document claims Central Asian nations are shifting away from Russian influence by embracing Western education and the English language, forcing them to reconsider ties with Moscow.

At the same time, they are believed to have benefited from the relocation of Russian businesses and foreign companies that left Russia after the start of its war against Ukraine.

The document notes explicitly Kazakhstan's opposition to the Russian-Ukrainian war, its refusal to recognize occupied Ukrainian territories as Russian, and its compliance with Western sanctions.

Moscow could strengthen ties with Kazakhstan through projects such as the country's first nuclear power plant construction.

The Russian Prime Minister's office has not responded to The Financial Times' request for comment on the leaked document.

Original Author: Nikita Drobny