The poorly equipped forces of the khanates can do little to resist Russia's advances, although the Kokandian commander Alimqul had led a quixotic campaign before being killed in May 1865 defending Tashkent, which Chernyayev, aftwer wintering at Chimkent, now captures Tashkent.

This is contrary to his instructions, and although he will be received in St. Petersburg with enthusiasm, and presented with a sword of honor by the tsar, he will not again be employed in the military service, and will retire from it in July 1874.

The main opposition to Russian expansion into Turkestan comes from the British, who feel that Russia is growing too powerful and threatening the northwest frontiers of British India.

This rivalry has come to be known as The Great Game, where both powers compete to advance their own interests in the region.

It does little to slow the pace of conquest north of the Oxus, but does ensure that Afghanistan remains independent as a buffer state between the two Empires.