ASSESSMENTS

Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan: A Customs Deal and a Way Forward for Moscow

Dec 31, 2009 | 14:35 GMT

VLADIMIR RODIONOV/AFP/Getty Images

Summary

Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan will enter into a common customs union Jan. 1, 2010, making economic integration between the three countries — already strong — even greater. The official details of the union are not finalized and will be solidified in multiple phases over the next year, but it already is clear the move is designed to increase the Kremlin's control of its near abroad and re-establish its Soviet-era influence.

The Kremlin aims to strengthen its economic -- and political -- influence in Belarus, Kazakhstan and beyond through a common customs agreement....

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