How is the war in Afghanistan highlighting inequalities between Russia and the satellite countries of the Soviet Union?

The war in Afghanistan exposed significant inequalities between Russia and its former Soviet satellite countries, particularly in terms of military resources and political influence. While Russia faced economic challenges and a declining military reputation, many of the satellite states struggled with their own political instability and lack of support from Moscow, leading to a disparity in how they could respond to the conflict. Additionally, the differing levels of public sentiment towards the war in these nations highlighted a growing disconnect between Russia and its former allies, many of whom sought to distance themselves from Soviet-era conflicts. This situation illuminated the evolving power dynamics and national identities in the post-Soviet space.