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moscow distracted

Central Asia Drifts Out of Russia’s Orbit as Ukraine War Rages

BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan — Russia is losing influence over former Soviet nations in Central Asia as the war in Ukraine increasingly strains Moscow&rsquo...

Emigre Russians Find Refuge in Remote Kyrgyzstan

“Karakol is a ‘safe haven,’ cozy, albeit not the most modern,” said one emigre. “It’s also easier to breathe here.”

mountain dispute

Kyrgyz Climbers Remove Ukraine Flag from 'Peak Putin'

Kyrgyz climbing federation head Eduard Kubatov said there was "no sort of politics" in the decision to take down the flag.

Kyrgyz Police Probe Ukraine Flag on Mountain Named for Putin

"Peak Putin" took the Russian leader's name in 2011 as Kyrgyzstan's ties with Moscow strengthened.

Central Asian Migrants Flee Sanctions-Hit Russia

Economic problems as a result of the Ukraine war are making Russia a less attractive place to live and work.

Central Asians in Russia Pressured to Join Moscow's Fight in Ukraine

“I think the Russian government is using labor migrants as cannon fodder in Ukraine,” a prominent migrants' rights activist alleged.

As Anti-War Russians Flee, Ex-Soviet Kyrgyzstan Prepares for Emigre Influx

With domestic repressions ramping up and with European countries off-limits, many Russians are making for former Soviet countries.

CONTESTED BORDER

Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan Border Guards Exchange Fire

The outbreak of violence comes after clashes at their contested border left dozens dead last year.

‘Total Collapse’: Bishkek Businesses Reel From Massive Central Asian Blackout

The region-wide blackout left Bishkek authorities scrambling to rescue people — and dealt a devastating blow to small businesses.

Central Asia Hit By Large-Scale Power Blackout

Central Asian countries have seen their grids burdened by a summer drought and by a boom in cryptocurrency mining in the region.

wrong place, wrong time

Kyrgyzstan Cries Foul Over Musician’s Wrongful Arrest in Protest-Hit Kazakhstan

Jazz pianist Vikram Ruzakhunov’s arrest underscores the plight of Kyrgyz nationals detained in Kazakhstan during the country's week of unrest.

politicized linguistics

Russia Bares Fangs Over Language in Kyrgyzstan

Politicians in Moscow claim that Russian-speaking citizens are facing intimidation in Kyrgyzstan – a fact that officials in Bishkek deny.

corruption consequences

Ex-President Brought Back to Kyrgyzstan in Graft Probe – Gov't

It was unclear how Askar Akayev had been brought to Bishkek after 16 years living in exile in Russia.

Kyrgyzstan Says Ceasefire With Tajikistan Holding After Clashes

A spokesman for Kyrgyzstan's national security committee described the border as "quiet, peaceful, calm."

Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan Look to Ease Tensions After Deadly Clashes

The two countries have agreed a ceasefire following the worst fighting along their disputed border in years.

Kyrgyzstan's Ballet Troupe Walkout Shines Light on Culture Underspending

Kyrgyz artists refused to support a performance by better-paid Russian colleagues to protest state funding shortages.

Kyrgyzstan march

Kyrgyz Activists Face Women's Day Violence From 'Patriots'

Gender equality in Central Asia's most politically turbulent country has taken a back seat to what conservatives call "traditional values."

goodwill politics

What Did Japarov Get in Russia?

The Moscow visit marked Japarov's first foreign trip as President of the Kyrgyz Republic.

opinion Paul Bartlett

Reset With Russia: Kyrgyzstan’s President Heads to Moscow

New Kyrgyz leader Sadyr Japarov will need to prove to Putin that his rise to power is an opportunity for change.

from prisoner to president

Once-Jailed Populist Japarov Sworn in as Kyrgyz President

The politician won January's presidential election by a landslide with close to 80% of the vote.

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