In theory, this time Russia should remain as the major power in its region. Throughout the year, despite its own economic spasms, Moscow devoted huge amounts of money to their impoverished post-Soviet neighbors, seeking to ensure their loyalty in the long term and restrict the influence of the West in the region.

But the neighbors seem to have other ideas: Belarus is declared rebellion against the Kremlin, Uzbekistan joined Belarus, Turkmenistan signed an agreement in May for gas exploration with a German company, and Armenia has given a great national honor for President Mikhail Saakashvili of Georgia, an enemy of Moscow.

There are few projects that matter more to Russia than to restore its influence over the former Soviet republics, whose loss for many in Moscow, is still as painful as the feeling of a member amputated.

The ability of Russia to attract neighbors to its side and keep them there is negligible.
The methods of Kremlim have often been reactive and aggressive, combining incentives such as provision of cheap energy and money with threats of trade sanctions and cuts in the supply of natural gas.

In the area called privileged interests of Moscow, in other words, Russia is just another competitor.

Konstantin F. Zatulin, Congressman, said that these countries are weak, dependent and poor, and want to attract attention to themselves – not only attention, but help. Here is the problem: Russia’s call for them just does not seem very alluring.

Via: NYT.