The Ukrainian Army is facing ammunition shortages, leading to a significant reduction in the number of strikes against Russian military positions, with some areas seeing a tenfold decrease. Soldiers, such as 'Kichkina bola' and 'Belarus', express the difficulties of conserving ammunition and the psychological toll of being away from family. The Ukrainian government is aware of the soldiers' fatigue and is discussing a controversial draft law to recruit an additional 500,000 people into the army. In the meantime, soldiers find moments of respite in quieter times, such as cooking meat together in bunkers.

In the backdrop of heightened pressures on opposition and critics at home and abroad, Russia's presidential election commenced on March 15. The day before the election, Russia's Foreign Ministry released a list of U.S. citizens banned from entering Russia, accused of anti-Russian propaganda, including VOA journalist Jeff Seldin. The U.S. State Department expressed concern over the increasing restrictions on freedom of speech in Russia. In response to U.S. sanctions against Russians supporting the 'special military operation' in Ukraine, Russia has sanctioned American citizens involved in anti-Russian propaganda. The crackdown in Russia began well before the Ukraine conflict, intensifying with the 'foreign agent' law. Central Asian countries, particularly Kyrgyzstan, are seen as potentially following Russia's example, with Kyrgyzstan's parliament recently approving a similar 'foreign agent' law. U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken has warned Kyrgyzstan of the negative consequences of such a law, while Kyrgyz President Sadir Japarov accused the U.S. of interference. The situation indicates a shift towards authoritarianism in Kyrgyzstan, mirroring Russian political rhetoric and policies.

Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev recently expressed confidence in Vladimir Putin's victory in the upcoming Russian presidential elections, a sentiment previously reciprocated by Putin. The article suggests that elections in both Russia and Uzbekistan are unlikely to change the regimes, with outcomes typically as the leaders indicate, especially considering the absence of opposition in these elections. Despite the Russian opposition's calls for participation and voting against Putin, the government has blocked their website. The article also touches on the increased threats from Russia towards Central Asia and the political tension between Russia and Uzbekistan. It highlights the potential extension of Putin's power until 2030 through constitutional changes and the implications of the Russian elections being held in occupied Ukrainian territories, which are not recognized by most of the world, including Central Asia.

Ukrainian sources warn that Russia may be looking to circumvent sanctions by utilizing Uzbekistan. A recent meeting in Saint Petersburg between Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Vladimir Putin is alleged to have reached an agreement on this matter. Discussions included establishing several enterprises in Uzbekistan with Russian financing, focusing on cooperation in the transport sector, and potentially producing sanctioned goods for export to Russia, such as drones and military components. These claims have not been corroborated beyond the sources of the Ukraine National Resistance Center. Additionally, there is interest from Russia in purchasing Soviet-era weapons and military equipment from Uzbekistan, which may be related to the high expenditure of artillery shells in the Ukraine war. Western sanctions on Russia primarily target modern weaponry components, which are reportedly being circumvented through third countries.

As Ukraine commemorates the 9th anniversary of the Maidan revolutions, it stands on the verge of taking concrete steps towards European Union membership. The European Commission has recommended initiating negotiations for Ukraine's accession to the EU. While this is not a final decision but a recommendation, it is an encouraging sign for Ukrainians who have aspired to EU membership, especially in the face of Russian aggression. Despite regular support from the EU in Ukraine's conflict with Russia, the membership process will not be easy for Kyiv, as acknowledged by President Volodimir Zelenskiy. The recommendation must be approved by EU member states, and there is a possibility of it being blocked by countries like Hungary, which has strained relations with Ukraine and is known for withholding military aid and blocking EU assistance. Regardless of these challenges, the Ukrainian society remains hopeful and has been preparing to meet the membership criteria since the Maidan revolutions, despite ongoing corruption issues within the country.

Following the Biden-Central Asia summit in the United States, another meeting is expected to take place on September 29 in Germany, where Central Asian leaders will meet with Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin. The occurrence of such summits for the first time indicates political shifts in the region.

Migrant workers in Russia, facing a devalued ruble and potential fourfold increase in patent costs, are now also at risk of being forced to sign contracts with the Russian Ministry of Defense as a condition for obtaining Russian citizenship. Those who have already acquired citizenship are not exempt, as their military registration status is being checked. The lack of success in Russia's war with Ukraine and the need for more soldiers are driving this recruitment effort. Human rights defender Tatyana Kotlyar reported on several cases involving migrants from Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, noting that such demands are widespread and illegal for those without citizenship. The Russian police conduct raids to enlist migrants in the military registry, preparing them for mobilization. The exact number of Central Asians serving in the Russian army and participating in the war in Ukraine is unknown, but it is estimated to be significant. The war's continuation is likely to demand new mobilization phases in both Russia and Ukraine.

According to UNESCO, the war initiated by Russia has caused approximately $2.5 billion in damages to Ukraine's cultural sites and tourism potential. Artworks from Ukraine's Khanenko Museum have been displayed in Warsaw's Royal Castle as part of a collection sent to Poland for safekeeping. The museum's director, Yuliya Vaganova, acknowledges the lack of safe places in Ukraine and appreciates the support from the Royal Castle. The Khanenko Museum preemptively moved its collections abroad and is currently empty, but efforts are being made to showcase Ukrainian cultural treasures globally. A part of the museum's collection is also set to be exhibited in Vilnius and the Louvre in Paris. The exhibition at the Royal Castle is being prepared for a 2024 opening, with assistance from the staff of the Khanenko Museum.

Activists briefly conclude that the people of Uzbekistan have lost enthusiasm for elections and referendums, a sentiment that has not been restored in the seven years following President Mirziyoyev's victory.

Turkey is approaching presidential and parliamentary elections on May 14, with a tight race expected between incumbent President Rajab Toyyib Erdogan and his main opponent Kamol Qilichdoro’g’li. No clear frontrunner has emerged from polls. Erdogan's tenure has seen Turkey's rise in economic and political terms but also face serious crises. The upcoming election occurs amidst a crisis environment, potentially benefiting Qilichdoro’g’li. Erdogan is criticized for authoritarian tendencies and democratic backsliding. The election's outcome could significantly impact Turkey's domestic and foreign policy, especially considering Ankara's increased international activity. Central Asia, including Uzbekistan, may experience changes in relations with Turkey, which have been politically focused and not fully integrated at the public level, according to independent journalist and human rights defender Yusuf Ro’zimurod.

Ukraine has expressed dissatisfaction with the participation of Central Asian leaders, including President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, in the military parade in Moscow, considering it a sign of disrespect towards Ukraine's struggle for its freedom, according to a statement released by the Ukraine Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Several countries, including the United States, Eastern European nations, and Ukraine, are boycotting the World Boxing Championship in Tashkent. Ukrainian athletes are also absent from the Judo World Championship in Qatar and are expected to miss other upcoming world championships in various sports. This boycott, stemming from Ukraine's government decision to prohibit participation in events involving Russia and Belarus, could significantly hinder Ukrainian athletes' chances to compete in the upcoming Paris Olympics. Coaches Oleg Leshenko and Oleksandr Golavanov express concerns about the impact on athletes' preparations, while wrestler Nazar Zaxarkin finds it unacceptable to compete alongside Russian or Belarusian athletes given the ongoing war in Ukraine. The final decision on Russian and Belarusian participation in the Olympics is pending, but the boycott is already affecting Ukrainian athletes' Olympic preparations.

Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has begun an official visit to Germany following the enactment of a new constitution that could allow him to remain in power until 2040. The visit has sparked protests among Uzbek activists in Germany, led by political refugee and human rights defender Malohat Eshonqulova, who aims to draw international attention to the situation in Uzbekistan, especially in light of the recent referendum. The trip, initiated by German President Frank-Valter Steinmeier's invitation, comes amid concerns over Uzbekistan's political direction, with recent arrests of journalists and bloggers, and ongoing persecution of opposition parties. Trade between the two countries reached 1.3 billion euros in 2022, and Uzbekistan is Germany's 66th largest trading partner. The visit is expected to include discussions on strengthening German business involvement in Uzbekistan and the overall relationship between Uzbekistan and the European Union.