Moscow’s Former Colonies Are Done Taking Orders From Putin | Opinion
Moscow's choice is now between dealing with these countries as equals or not dealing with them at all.
After the Soviet Union fell, Central Asian and South Caucasian governments always weighed Moscow's approval when making foreign policy decisions. Kazakhstan sells rare earths to the US and obeys Putin's commands to end the war. Armenia has EU membership in its constitution and stays away from Russia's military alliance. Azerbaijan hosts Russian colonialism conferences and aids Ukraine's railroads.
Russia's ability to coerce these nations with frozen conflicts, trade embargoes, and threats of military intervention has diminished. The war in Ukraine has drained Russia's resources, making it unable to maintain its grip on the region. Moscow relied on fear tactics, supply leverage, and control of key infrastructure to maintain influence.
However, Ukraine has cut Russia off from the technology, capital, and security it previously offered these countries. Kazakhstan, Armenia, and Azerbaijan have severed ties with Russia, forming partnerships with the US. Kazakhstan joined the Abraham Accords, signed a $7 billion Boeing deal, and is crucial for supplying critical minerals to the US.
Armenia's political landscape has also shifted, with Russia's interference in recent elections being unsuccessful. Azerbaijan has become a vocal critic of Russian actions in Ukraine, sending humanitarian aid and advocating for Ukraine's territorial integrity. All three countries are working together to dismantle Russia's influence and build a new regional infrastructure, benefiting American interests.
Written by urgent.news from Newsweek's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
