Russia once considered Central Asia as a permanent part of its geopolitical orbit. But after years of war in Ukraine, growing Russian nationalism, and expanding Chinese and Turkic influence, the region is quietly moving in a different direction.
Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are balancing relations with Moscow while investing in new partnerships focused on technology, trade, and regional integration. Even the symbolism surrounding Russia’s muted 2026 Victory Day parade revealed a changing balance of power.
In this episode of Eastern Express, host Jonasz Rewiński and his guest, Bruce Pannier, Senior Fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institute, examine the slow unraveling of Russia’s influence in Central Asia.
Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction: Central Asia repositions away from Moscow
03:20 – Introduction: Organization of Turkic States looks toward the future
07:24 – Introduction: Russia’s visibly waning power
09:08 – Interview: Russia’s nationalist rhetoric causing regional alarm in Central Asia
13:13 – Interview: Managing proximity and pressure
15:29 – Interview: Constraints on Russian adventurism
20:14 – Eastern News Flash
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