EU Sanctions Loom Over Kyrgyzstan Ahead of U.S. Trade Forum

Talk about awkward timing. Just as Bishkek is set to host a major US-Central Asian trade forum, reports are circulating that the EU may impose sanctions on Kyrgyzstan. First reported by Bloomberg, Brussels appears ready to slap bans on Kyrgyz trade in machine tools and radio equipment as punishment for helping the Kremlin evade sanctions imposed following Russia’s unprovoked attack on Ukraine. If the reports prove accurate, Kyrgyzstan will become the first Central Asian nation to face EU sanctions for helping Russia. To date, only individuals…