Russian ally faces possible EU sanctions
Photo: Russian flag (Getty Images)
The EU is considering a new step in its sanctions policy that could affect one of the countries in Central Asia. Officials are discussing the use of a special punitive mechanism targeting assistance in bypassing restrictions imposed on Russia, according to Minval.Politika.
The European Union is preparing to include Kyrgyzstan in its 20th sanctions package, in what would be the first case of restrictive measures being applied to a former Soviet republic for helping to circumvent existing restrictions against Russia.
The discussions focus on a ban on exports of European machine tools and radio-electronic equipment to Kyrgyzstan.
Transit of sanctioned goods
Since the start of the war, Kyrgyzstan has become one of the key transit hubs for shipments of goods from the EU to Russia.
According to data cited by the publication, exports from several European countries to Kyrgyzstan surged sharply, in some cases by more than 10,000 percent, raising concerns among European regulators.
Re-exports and the EU's response
A significant share of the goods shipped to Kyrgyzstan ultimately ended up on the Russian market, despite existing restrictions.
In Brussels, EU officials say such schemes undermine the effectiveness of the sanctions regime. As a result, a so-called secondary sanctions mechanism is being considered as a tool to pressure countries that, in the EU’s view, facilitate sanctions evasion.
The EU plans to approve its 20th sanctions package against Russia on 24 February.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said member states are discussing a wide range of additional measures, including a possible full ban on maritime services, as well as sanctions in the energy sector and on mineral fertilizers.
Against the backdrop of tighter restrictions, Russia’s oil export revenues in 2025 are estimated to have fallen by around 20 percent compared with 2024, largely due to lower global energy prices.
