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Leaked Document Reveals Western Sanctions Fracturing Russia’s Regional Ties
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![Lucile Brizard]( "Lucile Brizard")
Western sanctions are straining Moscow’s ties with former Soviet republics and obstructing its economic expansion into the Global South, according to a leaked Russian government document on February 10, as reported by the Financial Times.
The report, which was presented at an April 2024 strategy session led by Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, acknowledges that Western pressure and economic incentives have fractured Russia’s relationships with key trade partners. Senior officials and executives from major state-owned companies attended the briefing, including Russian hardline figures Sergei Karaganov and Alexander Dugin .
The document outlines Russia’s goal of forming a Eurasian economic bloc to rival the US, EU, and China, aiming to outlast negotiations over Ukraine. However, it concedes that Western nations have effectively swayed Central Asia by providing alternative trade routes, while some Russian allies have pushed out Russian businesses and imposed extra fees to offset sanction risks.
The report states that Russia’s influence is eroding as Central Asian states integrate into other regional groups, prioritize English over Russian, and align with Western education standards.
It also highlights Kazakhstan’s distancing from Moscow, while Kyrgyzstan has remained a key trade partner. The report cites Belarus as a rare success, with leader Lukashenko reaffirming full alignment with Russia.
Despite efforts to strengthen the Eurasian Economic Union, the report notes ongoing challenges, including sanctions, currency controls, and the shift to alternative payment systems. A spokesperson for Mishustin declined to comment.
In early February, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin informed leader Vladimir Putin that Russia’s nominal GDP had reached a historic high, presenting it as evidence of resilience against sanctions. However, the report omitted key economic challenges, including record food inflation and a sharp decline in foreign currency reserves.
