Eurasian Economic Forum to Meet in Bishkek
The Eurasian Economic Forum will hold its first session in Bishkek today.
The main agenda of the meeting is to reinforce political and economic ties amongst the member-states of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). The meeting is of special importance to Russian President Vladimir Putin who to use today as a platform to reaffirm Russia’s dominant role in the affairs of post-soviet countries amidst ongoing conflict with the West caused by the invasion of Ukraine.
The atrocities perpetrated by Russian troops in Ukraine have deeply damaged Moscow’s image in the international arena. Thus, Moscow’s top priority will be to try to boost its worsening outlook. In addition, Moscow’s inability to quickly win the war has revealed flaws in the Kremlin’s military planning and logistical capabilities. Therefore, expect Moscow’s grip on Eurasia—mainly in the South Caucuses—to begin weakening gradually as more countries begin to pull back from Moscow’s sphere of influence and shift towards the West. Filling in this void, the West is likely to leverage the Eastern Partnership program, to take advantage of the power vacuum left by Russia. Through the partnership the West will attempt to cement ties through strengthening economic and trade relations in the region.
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