Is the EU Looking to Exploit Russia’s Waning Influence in Central Asia?

European Council President Charles Michel made a recent trip to a region long-known as Russia's backyard. And while in Kazakhstan, Michel called for closer co-operation between the EU and Central Asia. He made the visit as the region's own ties with Moscow, show signs of strain. With its vast energy reserves and strategic location between Europe and Asia, Michel called Kazakhstan crucial for the EU.
Since gaining independence in the 1990s, Central Asian countries have held close political, economic and security ties with Moscow. But since its attack on Ukraine back in February, Russia's influence over Central Asia has shown signs of weakening. All countries refused to support Moscow at a UN vote that condemned its recent annexations of four Ukrainian regions. So is Russia losing its grip over Central Asia, and what alternatives does the EU have to offer?

Bruce Pannier
Political Analyst

Aitolkyn Kourmanova
Senior Editor of Central Asian Analytical Network

[Joshdyisdifh]

Turkiye is already leading in that....

[MrLoftusjj]

“The problem for the collective West is simply this: 80% of the world’s population has refused to join it in condemning, sanctioning or otherwise punishing Russia, with some very large countries (China, India) either supportive or neutral on the subject.”😂😂🤣🤣

[cleasberg]

you talk crap about putin eu have nothing to do there

[Brothers_Rabbits]

West just need to be there if they want to be as powerful as before

[jondo]

EU and China trying it both (while some idiots around the world thin that China and Russia are allies). The problem is, Central Asia knows how to deal with the Russian and Chinese threat, but they don't have as much experience with the EU. Türkiye knows the traps of the EU, Türkiye must share it's experience preventing Central Asia from being lured into mistakes. Together we will become stronger.

[backbasics]

Waning influence of Russia in central Asia? Are you on weed?