Mari Paine

Mari is a graduate of Trinity College Dublin, where she studied Russian and Middle Eastern Studies.

Written articles:

“Hymns of Blood” – Tajik short stories from Perestroika

In August 2022, the French historian and writer Stéphane Dudoignon published “Hymnes de sang” (or “Hymns of Blood”) – a collection of short stories by Tajik writers from the Perestroika… [...]

Russian President Vladimir Putin and the president of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev shake hands during a recent state visit, amidst growing concerns about a anti-Russian disinformation campaign in Kazakhstan.

“An escalating manifestation of Russophobia” – Kazakhstan at the epicentre of an information war

Since the invasion, Kazakhstan has taken a position of neutrality towards Russia’s war in Ukraine. Yet, Astana has not hindered volunteers from organising humanitarian aid to send to Ukraine. Furious… [...]

Pressure from Russia increases on Central Asian media outlets

Ever since February 24, 2022, coverage of the war in Ukraine has been complicated for Central Asia. Between voluntary omission by official media and pressure on those who dare call… [...]

Destination Kazakhstan – A report from Kostanay, where hundreds of Russians have been taken in

The border region of Kostanay has turned into a sanctuary for Russians wanting to flee mobilisation. The journalist Almas Qaısar traveled for Vlast to Kostanay to speak with Russian… [...]

How Russia is recruiting Central Asian soldiers for its war in Ukraine

Many Central Asian migrants have joined the Russian army since partial mobilisation was announced in Russia. They are being pulled into Russia’s war in Ukraine against the advice of their… [...]

Kyrgyzstan: Handover of water reservoir to Uzbekistan leads to protests

The Kyrgyz parliament approved the outline for an agreement of a new border between Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. The outline includes handing over the Kempir-Abad water reservoir to their Uzbek neighbours. … [...]