Kyrgyz President Criticizes Sanctions at UNGA, Praises US NGO Cuts

Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov addressed the United Nations General Assembly this week. He criticized sanctions as tools of interference and praised the United States for ending NGO funding.

According to The Diplomat, Japarov argued that small nations face undue pressure from major powers. He linked these issues to the need for international stability and sovereign development.

Unspecified Pressure on Small States

Japarov stated that sanctions are often used to interfere in internal affairs. He claimed that major states issue ultimatums to smaller countries like Kyrgyzstan.

The president did not name specific countries or explain the goals of this pressure. This vague language allows for broad interpretation of international relations.

Praise for US Policy Shifts

Japarov thanked President Donald Trump for halting global NGO funding. He argued that this move reduced foreign interference in developing states.

The US administration has maintained sanctions on Kyrgyz entities despite this praise. Japarov sees the end of NGO funding as a positive step for sovereignty.

Legal Battles and Sanctions Scope

Bakai Bank won a case in Belgium against the Open Dialogue Foundation. The court treated the NGO as a commercial entity, limiting its liability.

In April 2026, the EU targeted Kyrgyzstan with its anti-circumvention tool. This was the first time the mechanism was used against the country.

As of June 2026, 31 Kyrgyz companies faced Western sanctions. This includes five banks, such as Keremet Bank and Kapital Bank.