The invasion of Ukraine has prompted some Central Asian and Caucasus states to diversify their foreign relations, moving away from Moscow and forging new ties with other global powers.

Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, visited four countries in Central Asia this week: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan.

The U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken toured the Central Asian region at a time when tensions between the West and Russia continue due to the Ukraine war, raising questions about the intentions of this visit.