[Asia approaching] Vladimir Putin – the loneliness of the dictator

A gathering of the leaders of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SOW) associate states in Samarkanda, Uzbekistan may have been an event for the Kremlin confirming Moscow's crucial function in the game that continues in the region. However, Vladimir Putin must have felt rather alone. His statements appeared to be unconditionally welcoming the elder brother, whose goodwill would depend on the younger brother’s future.