Temur Umarov is a fellow at the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center. His research focuses on Central Asian countries' domestic and foreign policies, as well as China's relations with Russia and Central Asian neighbors.
Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed in the op-ed section are those of the authors and do not purport to reflect the views of the Kyiv Independent.
Russia’s annual Victory Day holiday on May 9, when the country marks the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany in World War II, was expected to be a fairly low-key affair this year. Just three days before the festivities, which included a military parade on Red Square, only one high-ranking guest was due to attend: Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov.
On th