Putin visits Tajikistan amid sanctions, regional focus | JQJO

President Vladimir Putin began a state visit to Tajikistan, engaging in meetings with regional leaders from former Soviet states. The trip underscores Russia's pivot to Central Asia amid Western sanctions. Putin will attend summits with Central Asian nations and the Commonwealth of Independent States. Despite an ICC arrest warrant for alleged war crimes in Ukraine, Putin faces no risk of arrest in Tajikistan, a key ally reliant on Russia. Human Rights Watch urged Tajikistan to arrest Putin, but the country, like Mongolia before, relies on close ties with Russia.