Kyrgyzstan expressed regret on Friday about the European Union’s decision to include several Kyrgyz entities in its latest sanctions against Russia, describing it as “one-sided sanctions pressure.
” The foreign ministry emphasized that Kyrgyzstan adheres to international obligations and seeks constructive dialogue with the EU to avoid risks of sanctions evasion. It invited the EU to conduct an independent audit.
The sanctions are part of the EU’s response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and target several banks, including two from Kyrgyzstan—Tolubay Bank and Eurasian Savings Bank.
Previous sanctions had already been placed on three other Kyrgyz banks for helping evade Russian sanctions. The country’s economy has grown significantly since the war, largely due to increased trade with Russia and remittances from migrants.
President Sadyr Japarov has criticized the sanctions as interference in Kyrgyzstan’s affairs.
With information from Reuters