What do the threats from Kremlin propagandists toward Central Asia mean?
The recent threats made by Russian propagandist journalist Vladimir Solovyov and ideologue Alexander Dugin regarding a «special military operation» in Central Asia and the denial of the sovereignty of its countries have sparked a wave of outrage and concern in the societies of the region. While the official authorities of these countries have refrained from commenting on the matter, civil society and some public figures have condemned these statements.
Experts in Tajikistan interpreted these remarks as an attempt to demonstrate power in a time of strategic weakness, potentially laying the groundwork for future intervention. They argued that such comments would never have been made on state-controlled television without the approval of the Kremlin.
What did Solovyov and Dugin say?
On January 10, Kremlin mouthpiece Vladimir Solovyov stated on his show Solovyov Live that Armenia and the countries of Central Asia are Russia’s «sphere of influence,» and that losing these countries would pose an «extremely serious problem» for Moscow. He questioned, «If Russia has launched a 'special military operation' in Ukraine to ensure its national security, why can’t it do the same in other areas of its influence?» Solovyov emphasized that international law and sovereignty should not be respected.
Following this, the Russian far-right political philosopher Alexander Dugin, who is an ideologue and influential propagandist closely associated with the Kremlin, declared that the era of nation-states had ended and openly opposed the sovereignty of Central Asian countries, including Tajikistan. He argued, «We cannot accept the existence of independent Armenia, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan. In the new world model, nothing can be independent. Sovereignty is over, and nation-states belong to the past.» Dugin went further, stating that territories not under Russia’s control must either become part of the Russian Union or be turned into military bases for the West, NATO, or China, asserting, «There is no middle ground.»
Reactions from Central Asia
The Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs quickly summoned the Russian ambassador to deliver an official protest, stating that such remarks were «not in line with the spirit of strategic partnership.»
While official responses from the governments of Central Asian nations, including Tajikistan, have been absent, civil society groups in these countries voiced their objections.
In Kyrgyzstan, several politicians and public figures called for Solovyov to be declared a persona non grata and banned from entering the country. Kyrgyz media characterized his statements as a direct threat to national sovereignty.
Kazakh and Uzbek media also published reactions from experts and civil society members condemning the remarks by Solovyov and Dugin.
Maria Zakharova, a spokesperson for the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was forced to clarify that Solovyov’s words were «not the official position of the state,» but rather his «personal opinion.» She emphasized that Russia continues to view Central Asian countries as «strategic partners.»
Experts in Tajikistan interpreted these remarks as an attempt to demonstrate power in a time of strategic weakness, potentially laying the groundwork for future intervention. They argued that such comments would never have been made on state-controlled television without the approval of the Kremlin.
What did Solovyov and Dugin say?
On January 10, Kremlin mouthpiece Vladimir Solovyov stated on his show Solovyov Live that Armenia and the countries of Central Asia are Russia’s «sphere of influence,» and that losing these countries would pose an «extremely serious problem» for Moscow. He questioned, «If Russia has launched a 'special military operation' in Ukraine to ensure its national security, why can’t it do the same in other areas of its influence?» Solovyov emphasized that international law and sovereignty should not be respected.
Following this, the Russian far-right political philosopher Alexander Dugin, who is an ideologue and influential propagandist closely associated with the Kremlin, declared that the era of nation-states had ended and openly opposed the sovereignty of Central Asian countries, including Tajikistan. He argued, «We cannot accept the existence of independent Armenia, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan. In the new world model, nothing can be independent. Sovereignty is over, and nation-states belong to the past.» Dugin went further, stating that territories not under Russia’s control must either become part of the Russian Union or be turned into military bases for the West, NATO, or China, asserting, «There is no middle ground.»
Reactions from Central Asia
The Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs quickly summoned the Russian ambassador to deliver an official protest, stating that such remarks were «not in line with the spirit of strategic partnership.»
While official responses from the governments of Central Asian nations, including Tajikistan, have been absent, civil society groups in these countries voiced their objections.
In Kyrgyzstan, several politicians and public figures called for Solovyov to be declared a persona non grata and banned from entering the country. Kyrgyz media characterized his statements as a direct threat to national sovereignty.
Kazakh and Uzbek media also published reactions from experts and civil society members condemning the remarks by Solovyov and Dugin.
Maria Zakharova, a spokesperson for the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was forced to clarify that Solovyov’s words were «not the official position of the state,» but rather his «personal opinion.» She emphasized that Russia continues to view Central Asian countries as «strategic partners.»
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