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Kyrgyzstan’s trade figures defy economic logic, suggesting that a vast amount of its imports are bound for a third country – namely, Russia. Kyrgyzstan’s trans-shipment to Russia of dual-use goods, including ball bearings, vehicle spare parts, and other items, have had direct military implications for the invasion of Ukraine.
Kyrgyzstan has recently announced that it will stop servicing Russia’s Mir payment system. While this step is constructive, Bishkek’s behaviour throughout the conflict has been disappointing. The former…