Putin to visit Central Asia as clout wanes in region

Russian President Vladimir Putin is to meet Central Asian leaders in Tajikistan today, for only the second such summit since the fall of the Soviet Union, as Moscow jostles with China and Europe for influence.

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Weakened by the war in Ukraine, Russia's historic grip over the region has waned in recent years.

At the first summit with Central Asia's five leaders in 2022, Mr Putin got a tongue-lashing from the president of Tajikistan, who accused Moscow of neglecting the post-Soviet states and of showing them little respect.

China and Europe have meanwhile rushed to fill the power vacuum.

Both have held high-level summits in Central Asia this year and are hoping to expand their access to the region’s vast natural resources.

Mr Putin was expected to arrive in Tajikistan yesterday.