Putin's Allies Silence on Ukraine Invasion

In the wake of Ukraine's military operations in Kursk, Central Asian leaders have largely refrained from commenting, with only Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko addressing the situation. Ukrainian defense analyst Vladislav Seleznyov characterized the Russian military deployment as a deceptive maneuver, asserting that troops and arms have not effectively reached the border. Analysts suggest that the lack of support from other Collective Security Treaty (CST) member states indicates a reluctance to engage in the conflict, with some viewing Ukraine's actions as a significant challenge to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Experts like Dosym Satpayev from Kazakhstan highlight that since the onset of Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Central Asian nations have adopted a passive stance, avoiding involvement in the conflict and adhering to Western sanctions against Moscow. The number of Russian companies operating in Kazakhstan has surged, reflecting a complex economic relationship despite political tensions. Satpayev notes that the regional leaders are hesitant to take a definitive stance on the conflict, as doing so could limit their diplomatic flexibility. Meanwhile, Putin has downplayed the situation, asserting that he does not view the Ukrainian offensive as a justification for escalating tensions with the West or resorting to nuclear weapons. This position may alleviate pressure on Central Asian nations, allowing them to avoid direct confrontation with their CST ally. However, the human cost of such military operations remains stark, as individuals like Madina recount the traumatic impacts of past conflicts, underscoring the ongoing suffering in regions affected by violence.