The Political and Diplomatic Position of the Central Asian Countries Regarding Russia’s Special Military Operation in Ukraine

Abstract

Russia’s special military operation in Ukraine caused mixed assessments in Central Asian countries both at the political and public levels. At the political level the desire of the Central Asian countries to adhere to a neutral position on the Ukrainian issue is traced. It is due to the peculiarities of their foreign policy behavior based on the principles of a multi-vector policy. Foreign policy balancing on the world stage allows the countries of the region to receive significant economic benefits. However, some countries in the region are not always consistent in their attitude to the Ukrainian conflict and demonstrate differentiated forms of neutrality. There are also different views on Ukrainian conflict in the societies of the countries of the region. The geopolitical opponents of Russia are trying to influence the political position of the Central Asian countries making attempts through various instruments of influence to persuade the ruling elite to pursue an anti-Russian policy. At the same time relations between Russia and the countries of the region have the character of a strategic partnership and alliance. Despite the difference in positions on the Ukrainian issue the desire of the political elite of the Central Asian countries to maintain positive relations with Russia is noticeable. The growing geopolitical confrontation between the West and Russia narrows the opportunities for foreign policy maneuver for the countries of the region. Unprecedented Western sanctions against Russia have a negative impact on the national development of the republics which established close and mutually beneficial cooperation with Russia over the years of independence.