Yes, I believe you are right.  There were problems in Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan and perhaps others.  We were surprised by the numbers of Russian speakers in the  former Soviet States when we visited most of them several times 1995-99.  One could pretty much get along in Russian, but the problems were building even then.  

I can swear there ain't no heaven but I pray there ain't no hell. _ Blood Sweat & Tears