Across
- 3. A strategically significant region witnessing intensifying geopolitical competition over resource extraction, military presence, and emerging maritime trade routes
- 4. A country closely aligned with Russia, involved in Union State agreements and political tensions with the West
- 6. The largest landlocked country in the world
- 8. The first country to officially adopt Christianity
- 10. The Central Asian country that hosts Russia's largest military facility outside its borders
- 11. Country famous for its nomadic culture and Tian Shan mountains
- 12. Home to the ancient Silk Road city of Samarkand
Down
- 1. A former superpower whose dissolution in 1991 led to profound geopolitical realignments, shaping contemporary Eurasian political landscapes
- 2. The historical symbol of Russian centralized power, currently housing the executive branch and shaping domestic and foreign policy strategies
- 3. Known as the 'Land of Fire' due to its natural gas reserves
- 5. A strategic coalition of emerging economies seeking to challenge Western-dominated financial institutions and reshape global governance
- 7. Central Asian country with a policy of 'permanent neutrality' recognized by the UN
- 9. Country in the Caucasus known for its wine and ancient history