Jahongir Bozorboyev, an Uzbek living in Ukraine, shares his views on the parliamentary elections held in Uzbekistan on October 27. The article explores the opinions of Uzbeks residing abroad regarding the political developments in their home country.

Baxtiyor Shohnazarov, an Uzbek journalist with Canadian citizenship, faces challenges in obtaining permission to enter Uzbekistan, reflecting a broader pattern of entry restrictions affecting numerous Uzbek activists. These developments occur amid heightened restrictions ahead of parliamentary elections, raising concerns about press freedom and political expression in the country.

Labor migrants in Russia face increasing pressure and coercion to join the Russian army in the Ukraine war, with reports of threats and harsh conditions in detention centers. The situation is exacerbated by the lack of human rights activists in Russia and the growing nationalist sentiment. Migrants from Central Asia, including Uzbekistan, are particularly affected, with some joining the army in hopes of obtaining Russian citizenship. The article also highlights the presence of Central Asian fighters in the Ukrainian armed forces, defending against Russian aggression.

In Uzbekistan, early voting for the parliamentary elections is underway, but the process is criticized for lacking genuine political competition and public interest. The Central Election Commission is the main focus, with little debate among parties or the public. The elections are seen as a formality, with no significant changes expected. Critics compare the current political climate to the restrictive era of former President Islam Karimov, expressing disappointment in President Shavkat Mirziyoyev's unfulfilled promises of reform. The elections involve five official parties, but independent candidates are barred, and the outcome is unlikely to impact Mirziyoyev's administration.

Kazakhstan recently held a referendum where the majority supported the construction of a nuclear power plant, with Rosatom emerging as a key contender. The geopolitical implications of nuclear energy are highlighted, especially in the context of the Ukraine war and Russia's influence in Central Asia. The article discusses the potential risks and political dynamics involved in nuclear projects, with Kazakhstan's decision seen as a strategic move in the region's energy landscape.

Kazakhstan held a referendum on October 6, where the majority of voters supported the construction of a nuclear power plant. This decision is significant in the context of global geopolitical processes and energy policy, particularly amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. The potential involvement of Rosatom, a Russian state nuclear energy corporation, in Kazakhstan's energy sector is highlighted.

Central Asia's neutrality in the Russia-Ukraine war is under scrutiny as its trade relations with Russia have intensified, potentially aiding Russia in circumventing Western sanctions. Kazakhstan, a member of the Eurasian Economic Union, has seen significant trade growth with Russia, raising questions about its role in supplying restricted goods. While Central Asian countries express willingness to cooperate with Western sanctions regimes, investigations suggest continued indirect support for Russia. The potential for increased Western sanctions on Central Asia is debated, with concerns that such measures could push the region closer to Russia. Meanwhile, Kazakhstan is preparing for a referendum on building a nuclear power plant, with speculation about Russian involvement through Rosatom, despite existing Western sanctions on some of its subsidiaries.

President Vladimir Putin is once again threatening the world, particularly Ukraine, with nuclear weapons. While some experts view this as another instance of Russian intimidation, the US intelligence's warning about the seriousness of the threat is noteworthy.

Seven Tajik citizens and a Kyrgyz-born Russian citizen, Alisher Qosimov, have been detained in connection with the Moscow terror attack. Qosimov allegedly rented a house to one of the attackers. Investigations and detentions are also underway in Tajikistan, with President Rahmon overseeing the process. The ISHID – Xuroson group claimed responsibility, but Russian authorities suspect Ukrainian involvement. Statements from Russian officials, including FSB head Bortnikov, suggest a broader conspiracy involving Western intelligence. Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, have condemned the reported torture of suspects.

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.