Photo 24.kg. EU Special Envoy for Sanctions David O'Sullivan — in the center
He noted that Brussels is concerned about the sharp increase in the supply of machinery and radio equipment from Europe to Kyrgyzstan, which is allegedly then redirected to Russia. "These goods are not produced in Kyrgyzstan; they only transit through its territory," he added.
The Special Envoy emphasized that the EU's requirements do not concern Kyrgyzstan's adoption of sanctions but only restrict the use of its territory to circumvent these restrictions. According to him, the goods in question account for a negligible share of trade and have no economic value for the country, as they are neither produced nor consumed within Kyrgyzstan.
O'Sullivan also reported that the volume of supplies has increased by hundreds of percent compared to the pre-war period. He pointed to the potential risks of using even small volumes of inexpensive components for weapon production, including drones and missiles, and stressed that this abnormal increase raises concerns among EU representatives.
The EU has raised questions about Kyrgyzstan's financial system, which led to the inclusion of several banks and operations with crypto assets in the 19th sanctions package.
David O'Sullivan
According to O'Sullivan, the sanctions affect two banks; however, they do not impact their operations in Kyrgyzstan. "The ban on transactions with European banks effectively disconnects these banks from the SWIFT system," he explained.
He emphasized that sanctions are imposed based on serious evidence and in the interest of the national security of EU countries.
We respect Kyrgyzstan's sovereignty and its traditional ties with Russia. Our position does not require the cessation of trade with the RF and does not oppose remittances from migrants, as this is legal.
David O'Sullivan
"We only insist that trade does not include intentional circumvention of sanctions through the supply of European dual-use goods," he added.
The Special Envoy also noted that the EU does not impose sanctions against countries but against specific companies or banks. For example, recently, banks in China have been subjected to such measures. "We have established good relations with Kazakhstan, and they have taken significant steps to prevent the transit of military goods. Our decisions are based on the analysis of trade flows, not on political preferences," he concluded.
O'Sullivan reported on meetings with representatives of the National Bank and the Ministry of Economy, as well as planned negotiations with the presidential administration and the government.
We recognize that the authorities of Kyrgyzstan have already taken certain steps, and we hope for further progress.
David O'Sullivan
The Special Envoy emphasized that since 1991, the European Union has provided Kyrgyzstan with about 600 million euros in grants and over 1 billion euros in loans, including funds for important projects in hydropower.
"The European Union attaches great importance to its relationship with the Kyrgyz Republic. In 2025, we signed an agreement on enhanced partnership, and bilateral trade amounted to 3 billion euros," he summarized.
Chronology of Sanction Pressure
Due to suspicions of circumventing restrictions against Russia, companies from various countries, including Kyrgyzstan, began to fall under EU and US sanctions.
Kyrgyzstan has repeatedly expressed opposition to sanctions against its banks. In 2025, President Sadyr Japarov condemned the West for sanctions against the republic from the UN podium, calling them an interference in internal affairs and an obstacle to the development of the still-forming economy.
