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puzzling choice

What Was Putin Doing in Tajikistan?

Putin chose the Central Asian country for his first trip abroad since he sent Russia's armed forces into Ukraine.

Russia Will Work to 'Normalize' Afghanistan – Putin

"We are trying to build relations with the political forces that control the situation," Putin said during a visit to Tajikistan.

Central Asians in Russia Pressured to Join Moscow's Fight in Ukraine

“I think the Russian government is using labor migrants as cannon fodder in Ukraine,” a prominent migrants' rights activist alleged.

CONTESTED BORDER

Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan Border Guards Exchange Fire

The outbreak of violence comes after clashes at their contested border left dozens dead last year.

Rights Groups Decry Russian Deportations of Central Asian Activists

Russia has reportedly deported two activists residing outside tightly-controlled Tajikistan and Turkmenistan.

competing to help

Security Blocs Led by Russia, China Meet on Afghanistan

Moscow and Beijing have moved to assert themselves as key players in the region after the United States' retreat from Afghanistan.

Central Asian Ally

Russia to Boost Tajikistan Army Amid Afghanistan 'Deterioration'

Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan will hold joint military drills next week near Tajikistan's border with Afghanistan.

free assistance

Russia in Talks to Help Tajikistan Build Afghan Border Outpost

Moscow is stepping up its activity in the region as the Taliban has captured swathes of Afghan territory from government forces.

Russian Tanks Move to Afghan Border Ahead of Drills

The troops will practice tasks of ensuring "the territorial integrity of Central Asian states," the Defense Ministry said.

Border Tensions

Russia to Hold Central Asia Army Drills Near Afghan Border

Russia said it will stage military drills next month with Tajikistan and Uzbekistan near Afghanistan's border where the Taliban has led a lightning offensive...

Demonstration of Power

Russia Holds Military Drills in Tajikistan Amid Taliban Offensive

Moscow is closely watching the offensive, concerned about the security of countries in ex-Soviet Central Asia where it maintains military bases.

advancing force

Russia Says Taliban Controls Two-Thirds of Afghan-Tajik Border

Russia said it is ready to take "additional measures" to "prevent aggression" on its ally Tajikistan but urged all sides to "show restraint."

Tajikistan Seeks Russia-Led Alliance’s Aid as Violence Builds on Afghan Border

The security situation along the remote, mountainous Afghan-Tajik border has deteriorated in recent weeks as U.S. forces quit the region.

rocky resolution

Russia Says Ready to Activate Tajik Military Base Amid U.S. Pullout, Taliban Advance in Afghanistan

“We’ll do everything ... to prevent any aggressive encroachments against our allies,” Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said.

Kyrgyzstan Says Ceasefire With Tajikistan Holding After Clashes

A spokesman for Kyrgyzstan's national security committee described the border as "quiet, peaceful, calm."

Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan Look to Ease Tensions After Deadly Clashes

The two countries have agreed a ceasefire following the worst fighting along their disputed border in years.

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