Putin intends to use May 9 parade to demonstrate his influence in Asia
Russian President Vladimir Putin is trying to use the Victory Parade in Moscow to demonstrate his influence in Central Asia.
This is reported with reference to the ISW report.
It is reported that the presidents of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan take part in the parade in Moscow on May 9.
ISW experts note that no foreign leaders have attended the Victory Day celebrations in Moscow in 2022, and Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan have not held parades, with some citing health risks due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The belated announcement of Central Asian leaders' participation probably indicates their reluctance to show direct and public support for the war, despite the Kremlin's attempts to do so. Alexander Lukashenko and Armenian President Nikol Pashinyan are also reported to have flown to Moscow to participate in the celebrations.
Author – Anastasiya Glotova, 09/05/2023
