Author: Aliya Toktosunov

The Russians have “weak and uncertain” control over Robotin in the Zaporozhye region – the Ukrainian Armed Forces have probably advanced into the territory of the settlement. The situation in Kharkiv and Lugansk regions Ukrainian troops were conducting offensive operations along the Kupyansk-Svatovo-Kremennaya line and reportedly advanced on 15 August. The Russian Ministry of Defense (MoD) stated that Ukrainian forces were conducting unsuccessful offensive operations near Olshan (15km northeast of Kupyansk), Sinkovka (8km northeast of Kupyansk), Novoselovskoye (14km northeast) west of Svatovoe), Novoegorovka (15 km southwest of Svatovoe), Belogorovka (12 km south of Kremennaya), Razdolevka (31 km southwest of Kremennaya), Kuzminoye…

A with a delegation of the Communist Party of China led by a member of the CPC Central Committee, Secretary of Qinghai Province Chen Gang is held today in Bishkek. During his speech, Chen Gang spoke about Qinghai Province and the 20th Congress of the Communist Party of China. Speaking about participation of President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov in China-Central Asia summit, the Chinese politician noted the growing cooperation between the two countries. “Sadyr Japarov and Xi Jinping decided to strengthen cooperation between countries in all directions in the spirit of good neighborliness and friendship. This shows that our relations…

Saudi low-cost carrier flynas has announced its plans to launch direct flights connecting Bishkek and Osh in Kyrgyzstan, as well as Almaty in Kazakhstan, to Jeddah. This expansion comes as part of a strategic partnership agreement with the Air Connectivity Program (ACP), aiming to boost tourism growth and foster stronger ties between Central Asia and Saudi Arabia. Expanding Central Asia connectivity Commencing on August 20th, flynas will initiate direct flights from Osh, the second-largest city in Kyrgyzstan. Shortly after, on September 2nd, the airline will also launch flights from Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, to King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. These…

Chinese President Xi Jinpin and leaders of the five Central Asian states of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan have signed a declaration outlining their support for each other as Beijing looks to strengthen ties with its neighbors from the former Soviet Union. “China and the Central Asian countries will firmly support each other on issues concerning their respective core interests such as sovereignty, independence, security, and territorial integrity,” Xi told reporters on May 19 in China’s ancient city of Xi’an, summing up the declaration that resulted from the two-day China-Central Asia summit. “This summit has added new impetus to the development…

Kyrgyz journalist Kadyr Koshaliev resigned from the National Broadcasting Corporation (UTRK) on May 23 amid a controversy related to his interview with the fugitive ex-President Kurmanbek Bakiev, which was published on YouTube last week. UTRK said Koshaliev resigned of his own volition as the corporation’s ethics commission investigates the interview, which sparked a public outcry. Bakiev, 73, fled Kyrgyzstan for Belarus with his family following anti-government protests in 2010. A Bishkek court sentenced him in absentia to life in prison after convicting him of involvement in the killing of almost 100 protesters during the unrest.

Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov says the government has no plans to invite former President Kurmanbek Bakiev to the country, but if he does try to come back he will be arrested given there is an outstanding criminal case against him. Speaking in an interview with the state news agency Kabar on May 30, Japarov said a court sentence handed to Bakiev was still in effect and there was currently no legal basis to annul it. “There is a decision by the court. He was sentenced to 30 years. That decision is still in force today. If he comes, of course, he will…

Kyrgyzstan’s State Committee of National Security (UKMK) said on June 1 that a group allegedly involved in organizing illegal travel to European countries via Kyrgyzstan by using forged Schengen visas has been uncovered. “More than 40 foreign nationals who became victims of the activities of the organizers of the illegal migration via Kyrgyzstan have been identified,” the UKMK said, without giving any other details. It remains unclear if the alleged perpetrators were apprehended. 

Politicians in Kyrgyzstan have for years attempted to push through controversial legislation that would impose restrictions on nongovernmental organizations that receive funding from abroad. But lawmakers have rejected multiple draft bills, fearing it would harm the Central Asian country’s democratic credentials and lead to donors pulling foreign aid. Now, there are fear that the authorities’ latest effort to force through a Russian-style “foreign agents” law could succeed, with observers citing growing authoritarianism in Kyrgyzstan and attempts by Russia, Bishkek’s ally, to stamp out Western influence in the country. More than one-third of lawmakers in the 90-seat parliament have backed a…

Several sources in Kyrgyz law enforcement entities told RFE/RL on June 5 that people suspected of allegedly preparing to seize power are being detained across the Central Asian nation. According to the sources, at least 10 suspects have been detained by the State Committee of National Security (UKMK). The UKMK has yet to comment on the reports. Internet users placed videos online showing security forces entering an unspecified private house and an unidentified man being handcuffed. 

Kyrgyzstan’s State Committee of National Security (UKMK) said on June 6 that a group of men and women suspected of plotting to seize power had been apprehended. According to the UKMK, the group was led by the leader of the Eldik Kenesh (People’s Council) political party, who, along with four associates, confessed to the charge. The statement gave only the initials of some of the suspects. the Eldik Kenesh party is led by Roza Nurmatova. The UKMK statement came a day after local media reported mass arrests.