🇬🇧 London Shifts Strategy: Why Is Britain Increasing Its Activity in Central Asia?

While the world's media attention is focused on other crises, the United Kingdom is quietly but confidently strengthening its presence in the heart of Eurasia. Tomorrow, February 26, London will host a meeting of the foreign ministers of the United Kingdom and five Central Asian countries. However, behind the diplomatic protocols lies a tough economic game.

Britain, having for many years not viewed this region as an independent center of power, is now placing serious emphasis on it. The reason is not only its traditional desire to contain Russia, but also its urgent need for resources for its own "green transition." Lithium, uranium, and rare earth metals—Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan—are becoming key players in the UK's Critical Minerals Strategy.

On the eve of the meeting, Astana and London already signed a roadmap for a strategic partnership in this area. Uzbekistan was promised 4 billion pounds in guarantees in exchange for access to mining projects.

🌏 How does London plan to outpace China in the resource race, and what will countries in the region receive in return?
Alina Eliseeva, an expert at our Center, shared her opinion on this issue exclusively for Lenta.Ru.

🔗 You can read the full text at this link https://lenta.ru/news/2026/02/27/uk-ca/

Author: Alina Eliseeva