 Recruitment of soldiers from Central Asian countries could result in a series of conflicts for Russia. Attempts by Russia to create new military units or significantly replenish losses in existing units by recruiting soldiers from Central Asian countries could become a source of tension and even conflicts between Russia and its Central Asian neighbours according to the Institute for the Study of War, ISW. According to analysts at the ISW, the Kremlin's insistence on using the populations of Central Asian countries to replenish losses may create friction between Russia and its neighbours. Central Asian countries are increasingly using laws against mercenaries to punish citizens who fought on the side of Russia against Ukraine. Yes, on November the 28th, a court in Kazakhstan sentenced Olexiy Shompolev to six years and eight months of imprisonment on charges of mercenaries. It is reported that Shompolev fought in an artillery unit of the Wagner Private Military Company near Bakhmut. Similar decisions have been made by courts in Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. Russian right-wing radical sources have criticised the authorities of Kazakhstan, accusing them of allegedly holding an anti-Russian stance. ISW experts note that if the number of such cases increases, the level of tension in Russian society and international relations may change.