The Washington summit on Central Asia highlighted the United States' efforts to restore its influence in the region after more than a decade of decline. Since the 1990s, the US has had a substantial presence, especially in Kazakhstan and with military bases in Kyrgyzstan during the Afghan campaign. However, recent years have seen significant losses, and current US strategy seeks to re-enter this key geopolitical market, important for China's and India's land routes and rich in resources.
Washington now aims to counter China's growing influence by establishing at least some presence where China has taken a stronghold, thus retaining the possibility to influence regional developments.
In parallel, Russia has increased its nuclear rhetoric following key international events. Last week, President Putin addressed the possibility of resuming nuclear tests on Novaya Zemlya at a Security Council meeting. This political move is seen as an effort to shift attention from the Ukraine issue and force the US to the negotiating table on different strategic matters, particularly nuclear competition.
Experts say such rhetoric is an attempt to push the American side into negotiations on Russia's terms by leveraging the nuclear topic as political pressure. Analysts note, however, that escalation will likely remain verbal and not result in real nuclear tests, with the West reacting calmly.
The article also touches on ongoing changes and rumors within the Russian political leadership, though these remain unconfirmed and at the level of speculation.
