How does Russia's invasion and conquest of Central Asia and the Caucasus continue to impact contemporary societies in the region today?

The Russian invasion and conquest of Central Asia and the Caucasus continues to have a major impact on contemporary societies in the region today. The Russian Empire's legacy of colonization and control has left a lasting imprint on the region's political, economic, and cultural landscape. The Russian language is still widely spoken in the region, and many of the region's governments are still heavily influenced by Russia. Additionally, the region's economies are still heavily reliant on Russia for trade and investment. Finally, the region's cultures have been heavily influenced by Russian culture, with many of the region's traditional customs and beliefs being replaced by Russian ones.