The region has sparked widespread discussions due to statements made by Russian media experts.
At the beginning of 2026, statements by two well-known Russian propagandists caused serious concerns in Kyrgyz society. The first to speak on this topic was Vladimir Solovyov, who, referencing the actions of the United States in Venezuela, suggested ignoring international law and focusing on Russia's "zones of influence."
Vladimir Solovyov, Russian TV host supporting the authorities:
- If it was necessary for our national security to start a special military operation in Ukraine, then why… can’t we start such an operation in other places within our zone of influence? The loss of Armenia is a huge problem. The problem in Central Asia is also a serious issue, and we need to clearly define our goals and objectives. We must say that the games are over.
Alexander Dugin, a well-known Russian ideologist, supported his position by putting forward similar ideas.
Alexander Dugin, philosopher and ideologist advocating for the expansion of Russia's influence:
- We cannot recognize the existence of sovereign Armenia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan… They either must be with us or become bases for the West or China.
Reaction in Kyrgyzstan
These provocative statements caused significant resonance in Kyrgyzstan. For example, Deputy of the Jogorku Kenesh Dastan Bekeshev proposed declaring Vladimir Solovyov a persona non grata.
Dastan Bekeshev, Deputy of the Jogorku Kenesh of the Kyrgyz Republic:
- I believe our Ministry of Foreign Affairs should respond, summon the ambassador, and deliver a note, and also, probably, declare Solovyov a persona non grata. Such a person should not be allowed in Kyrgyzstan.
Kanat Khasanov, a public figure who usually supports a pro-Russian stance, also condemned such statements.
Kanat Khasanov, public figure, lawyer:
- State institutions of the Russian Federation should give a clear assessment of such statements and stop the transformation of federal media into sources of radicalization and interethnic tension. This is not about censorship, but about protecting strategic interests and maintaining trust between peoples…
These statements should be considered destructive and potentially dangerous for long-term stability in Central Asia and Russia's image.
In response to the public outcry, the head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan, Jeenbek Kulubaev, commented on the statements of Russian propagandists, noting that they do not deserve attention from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Jeenbek Kulubaev, head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic:
- The Kyrgyz side considers it impractical to pay attention to individual provocative statements that are not related to the real interstate agenda.
Maria Zakharova, the official representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia, also commented on Solovyov's words, calling them “the personal opinion” of the TV host of a private channel:
Maria Zakharova, official representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation:
- This is the opinion of a journalist, I want to emphasize: an opinion. Secondly, it was expressed on the private channel "Solovyov LIVE." I reviewed the quotes based on direct speech. This opinion is formulated as a question, not as a statement, and that is no longer up to me.
Discussion in Central Asia
Representatives of other countries in the region also expressed their outrage.
Doctor of Political Science Sherzodkhan Kudratkhodja from Uzbekistan pointed out the dangers that arise when norms of international law are called into question.
Doctor Sherzodkhan Kudratkhodja from Uzbekistan also emphasized that the statements of Russian propagandists threaten the norms of international law.
Sherzodkhan Kudratkhodja, Doctor of Political Science, Political Scientist RUZ:
- Ukraine has become a precedent, and Central Asia is the object of voiced fantasies, where the "zone of influence" serves as a justification for violence disguised as words about security... When international law becomes "non-binding," and sovereignty is conditional, then in the world described by propaganda, there are neither allies nor treaties nor guarantees. Only the right of the strong remains, renamed as "security." In such a reality, states lose their status as subjects and become fragments of a map that can be moved and appropriated according to current television arguments.
Historical context and imperial rhetoric
In his analysis, Ukrainian political scientist Oleg Posternak emphasizes that these statements are not emotional improvisations but represent a continuation of the historical tradition of Russian foreign policy rhetoric. He notes that this reproduces an imperial approach to neighboring states.
Oleg Posternak: “The imperial logic, which emerged in the 14th century, remains the foundation of Russia's foreign policy. It continues to view the CIS countries as part of its sphere of influence, demonstrating contempt for their sovereignty.”
Oleg Posternak recommends reading the book by Ukrainian historian Kuzari, “The Disappeared Civilization – an Unnoticed Catastrophe.” This work presents a new perspective on the formation of Russia's imperial ambitions. The book highlights many historical events and processes that have shaped the modern political map of the South Caucasus, Eastern Europe, and Central Asia.
According to Oleg Posternak, the imperial logic that originated in the late Middle Ages continues to influence the thinking of Russian politicians. It manifests in the desire to perceive the post-Soviet space as a zone of special interests, often accompanied by rhetoric that questions the full sovereignty of neighboring countries.
The book also emphasizes the ideological constructs that justified expansion in different historical eras, such as the opposition of "defenders of the faith" and "the foreign world," which allowed for the legitimization of the seizure of Turkic-Muslim territories.
Furthermore, Oleg Posternak notes that for Central Asia, including Kyrgyzstan, the narratives from the Kremlin, resonating from television screens and discussed in the book, are relevant and concrete.
- The historical memory of the region retains the experience of the incorporation of the territories of Turkestan into the Russian Empire in the 19th century, when military invasion was accompanied by rhetoric of a "civilizing mission" and subjugation of local societies to decision-making centers, - concludes Oleg Posternak.
