Media in Central Asian States Quiet on Ukraine Conflict
State-controlled media in Central Asia, particularly in Turkmenistan, has largely ignored Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, despite the conflict’s significant impact on local populations. While independent media outlets continue to cover the war extensively, risking backlash from Russia, government-controlled media has kept mentions to a minimum. This lack of coverage extends to countries like Kazakhstan, where the conflict has had a direct impact on the economy and population.
Kazakhstan, the largest country in Central Asia and the only one to share a border with Russia, has seen over 200,000 Russian citizens crossing into its territory to escape military mobilization. Yet, state media in Kazakhstan has chosen to focus on unrelated events such as forest fires in Bolivia rather than reporting on the conflict in Ukraine. This deliberate avoidance of coverage is consistent with other government-controlled media outlets in the region.
While some privately owned media outlets in Central Asia have provided more varied coverage of the conflict, they have faced challenges from both activists and foreign entities. For example, a Kyrgyz news agency was subjected to a criminal investigation for its coverage of the conflict and subsequently faced blockages and censorship from Russian authorities. This crackdown highlights the sensitivity of Russia towards coverage of the war and the potential repercussions for media outlets that deviate from the official narrative.
Overall, the situation highlights the challenges faced by media outlets in Central Asia in reporting on sensitive geopolitical issues like the war in Ukraine. While independent media organizations strive to provide comprehensive coverage, they often face pressure and censorship from both domestic and foreign entities, impacting their ability to inform the public about important global events.
