ISTANBUL

Kyrgyzstan is prepared to challenge the European Union in court if the bloc moves forward with sanctions over alleged re-exports of European goods to Russia, First Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Daniyar Amangeldiev told the Financial Times on Monday.

Amangeldiev said Brussels has not provided “appropriate mechanisms” that would allow Kyrgyzstan to demonstrate compliance and avoid potential penalties.

“This decision will have consequences for our image. If such a decision is made, we will be ready to challenge it in court,” he said. “There must be rules for us to follow. If the rules have not been formulated, how can we play by them?”

While acknowledging instances in which goods transited through Kyrgyzstan and later reached Russia, Amangeldiev stressed that authorities are committed to preventing sanctions circumvention.

“We are not in favour of adding fuel to this conflict. Therefore, we are categorically opposed to the trade in goods that are prohibited,” he said, arguing that any punitive measures should target specific violations rather than the country as a whole.

He added that Kyrgyzstan submitted a package of documents to the EU in February detailing its compliance efforts, but said Brussels has yet to clarify how Kyrgyz banks could be removed from sanctions lists.

The comments follow remarks last week by EU Sanctions Envoy David Sullivan, who said the bloc suspects Kyrgyzstan of re-exporting European goods to Russia in breach of EU sanctions.

Speaking at a news conference in Bishkek, Sullivan cited concerns over a sharp rise in imports of radio equipment and machinery into Kyrgyzstan.

Amangeldiev attributed much of the increase to several high-value agreements with European partners, including contracts related to hydropower plant construction.

Sullivan urged Kyrgyz authorities to take stronger steps to prevent the circumvention of sanctions imposed on Russia, while emphasizing that the EU believes such measures would not undermine Kyrgyzstan’s economy or legitimate business activity.