Vladimir Rozanskij

Territorial tensions between the Russian Republic of Kalmykia and the Astrakhan region. More than 4 thousand square kilometres, mainly of steppe, are disputed. Putin's war adventures risk crumbling the Russian Federation: ethnic minorities mobilise.

Children have died from lack of access to treatments for rare diseases such as epileptic encelopathy. They need drugs distributed by foreign companies, which abandoned the country after the invasion of Ukraine. The war not only causes extermination and destruction on Ukrainian soil, but also suffocates the lives of the weakest and most fragile in Russia.

The Iranians support the Armenians in the conflict against the Azeris over Nagorno-Karabakh. Azerbaijan dreams of an enlargement by including the Azerbaijani-majority province in Iran. In contrast, the Islamic Republic wants more influence in the South Caucasus.

According to the participants of the 5th Civil Forum, government restrictions impede the development of society. President Zaparov is targeted, accused of weakening parliamentary democracy. The danger of one man in charge. Minimal public debate on proposed media law.

Boris Fedjukin, leader of the Libertarian Party, has not fled abroad like other opposition politicians. This war 'cannot be attributed to the will of all citizens in Russia'. Dissidents subjected to constant checks and searches. "Russians value freedom more than it seems".

In all the former Soviet republics, the activities of independent media are restricted. Many sites blacked out. In Kyrgyzstan, real repression is taking place. The authorities defend their privileges and those of the elites who support them. The war in Ukraine does not help.

Special internships organised for social workers on issues such as gender equality. Atavistic practices often reduce Turkmen women to slaves of fathers, brothers and husbands. The use of violence against them is commonplace. Forced in many cases into prostitution, they are also sold abroad.

​The head of European diplomacy Borrell met with regional leaders in Samarkand. The area is increasingly central to EU policy. Talks on infrastructure, energy, water resources, immigration and the fight against disinformation. Concern over situation in Afghanistan. Criticism of the Russian war in Ukraine.

Former President Saakashvili's National Movement chooses its new president. If elected, Georgij Mumladze promises tough politics against the pro-Russians of the Georgian Dream, now in power. Saakashvili, in prison and ill, is holding back. For ruling leader, the Movement is at an end.

A year ago the trial of the humanitarian association Memorial began. Closed on 28 February, it won the Nobel Peace Prize. Activists work in hiding to continue its efforts: 'They will not shut us up'. The group expects changes in Russian society, "huge changes".

The government wants to make the legal framework more transparent to encourage the inflow of foreign investments. Besides China, Japan and South Korea, the Kyrgyz are courting Turkey and Arab countries. President Zaparov promises all forms of protection for those who want to do business in Kyrgyzstan.

In addition to the head of the Republic of Chechnya, Duma deputy Adam Delimkhanov stands out. Nicknamed the 'commander of the TikTok' armies. After Putin's defeats in Ukraine, Kadyrov positioned himself to gain a central role in Moscow. The power games in the Kremlin have begun.