Ukraine war saps Russian sway over Caucasus, Central Asia

The Russian zone of influence under tension

Caucasus conflicts are revealing Russia's loss of influence

As the invasion of Ukraine drains Russia's forces, Moscow's grip on its former Soviet backyard in the Caucasus and Central Asia is loosening with unpredictable consequences, experts say.

"We need to keep an eye on what's happening in Armenia," said Michael Levystone, an expert on Russia and central Asia at IFRI, a French international relations think tank.