Putin Strengthens Ties with Kyrgyzstan Amid Shifting Power Dynamics in Central Asia

President Vladimir Putin held talks with Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov on Wednesday as Moscow aims to strengthen its regional partnerships amidst Central Asian leaders’ efforts to navigate their ties with both Russia and the United States.

Japarov welcomed Putin in Bishkek shortly after he participated in a summit in Washington with U.S. President Donald Trump alongside three other Central Asian leaders. This meeting also followed the visit of Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to Moscow, where Putin accepted an invitation to visit Kazakhstan in 2026.

During their discussion, Putin complimented Japarov, stating, «We appreciate that under your leadership, [Kyrgyzstan] has become a stable and dependable partner,» as reported in a Kremlin summary of the meeting.

The Russian leader emphasized Moscow’s economic and security contributions to Kyrgyzstan, highlighting the growth in bilateral trade, the nation’s reliance on Russian energy, and the existence of a Russian military base.

In response, Japarov referred to Russia as a “strategic ally, trustworthy partner, and good friend,” commending Putin for demonstrating “adaptability and resilience in light of the complex geopolitical landscape and economic challenges.”

Both leaders acknowledged the increasing Russian investment in Kyrgyzstan, with Putin noting that approximately 1,700 Russian firms are now operating in the country, a figure Japarov indicated has tripled in recent years.

Agreements related to trade, energy, and migration were signed during the meeting.

Putin is on a three-day visit, which commenced on Tuesday, marking his second trip to Kyrgyzstan since the onset of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

His prior visit in October 2023 was his first international trip following the issuance of an arrest warrant by the International Criminal Court over accusations of war crimes linked to the alleged deportation of Ukrainian children.

Central Asian nations have increasingly aimed to balance their relationships with Russia, the United States, and China in the aftermath of the Ukraine invasion.

According to Kyrgyzstan’s presidential administration, a summit of the Moscow-led Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) is planned for Thursday, the last day of Putin’s visit.