The EU has called on Kyrgyzstan to cease the re-export of banned European Union goods to Russia, as it may be helping Moscow circumvent sanctions imposed due to the war in Ukraine.
The European Union has urged Kyrgyzstan to stop the re-export of sanctioned EU goods to Russia, warning that this practice helps Moscow bypass sanctions imposed in response to the military conflict in Ukraine. Deivids O'Sullivans, the EU's special envoy for sanctions, addressed the issue, emphasizing that Kyrgyzstan's involvement plays a critical role in this circumvention. Goods banned from export to Russia include luxury cars, advanced machinery, and various electronic devices, which have seen a significant uptick in trade between Kyrgyzstan and Russia since the onset of the war in 2022.
In the wake of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, exports from Kyrgyzstan to Russia have skyrocketed, increasing by over 100%. According to United Nations data, exports are projected to reach nearly one billion dollars by 2024, compared to just under 400 million dollars in 2021. This dramatic rise indicates that some goods, particularly high-tech items, are being imported into Kyrgyzstan solely for the purpose of re-exporting them to Russia, which constitutes a violation of EU sanctions.
EU officials have expressed concern that Moscow is leveraging third countries like Kyrgyzstan to import banned items, a method known as parallel importing. This situation not only undermines the integrity of the sanctions but also raises questions about Kyrgyzstan's role in the geopolitical landscape of the region amidst increasing tensions due to the ongoing war. The EU's call to action reflects a growing frustration with nations that facilitate economic support to Russia, thereby complicating efforts to hold Moscow accountable for its aggressive policies towards Ukraine.
