The Kremlin's grand plans for "Siberianization" collide with depopulation, budget collapse, and a war against Ukraine that's draining the very regions Moscow claims to want to develop.

A collapsing empire on an offensive will fail first from the far backline as it throws everything at the frontline/war to preserve the facade.

Together with Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu, Karaganov has spent two years promoting the “Siberianization” of Russia. The idea calls for a civilizational pivot away from Europe and toward Asia.

Good PR spin on China buying up eastern Russia on a firesale.