Ukraine Seizes Diplomatic Opportunity with Central Asian States
Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are subtly shifting their neutrality in the Russia-Ukraine war, engaging more openly with Ukrainian leaders while navigating Russian pressure and exploring potential roles in peace talks.
Central Asian neutrality in the Russia-Ukraine war is undergoing a shift, with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan showing greater willingness to openly engage with Ukrainian leaders, marking a change from their previous stance of keeping Russia happy by keeping Kyiv at arm’s length.
Neutrality for Central Asian states during the first three-plus years of the conflict meant keeping Russia happy by keeping Kyiv at arm’s length.
Author's summary: Ukraine engages with Central Asian states.