Putin Strengthens Central Asian Ties Amid ICC Warrant and Ongoing Ukraine War

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Tajikistan on Wednesday for a high-level summit with leaders of Central Asian nations, underscoring Moscow’s effort to reinforce its regional influence amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. The Kremlin confirmed that Putin will join counterparts from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan on Thursday for the Russia-Central Asia summit, followed by a broader Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) meeting that will include Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Belarus.

Despite limiting foreign travel due to an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant over alleged deportations of Ukrainian children, Putin continues to focus on strengthening relations with Asia. His agenda includes expanding Russia’s “no limits” partnership with China and intensifying cooperation with North Korea — which has reportedly dispatched troops to aid Moscow’s war efforts in Ukraine.

During the visit, Putin is set to meet Tajik President Emomali Rahmon, the region’s longest-serving leader, in a bid to solidify ties and address instability threats from border disputes and internal power struggles. Tajikistan, which endured a brutal five-year civil war after the 1991 Soviet collapse, remains a key strategic ally for Russia. According to Russia’s Defence Ministry, Defence Minister Andrei Belousov held talks with his Tajik counterpart Emomali Sobirzoda, emphasizing military cooperation and stability in Central Asia.

As Moscow’s influence wanes in parts of the region — with Kazakhstan maintaining a neutral stance on the Ukraine conflict — the summit marks an important step for Russia to reassert its dominance. Discussions will also cover the millions of Central Asian migrant workers in Russia, whose remittances play a vital role in their home economies. Putin will also meet Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev amid strained relations between the two nations.