The UK, which is imposing sanctions against Russia, has itself traded $2.2 billion with the Russian Federation

Sanctions against Russia have not had the desired effect; on the contrary, they have prompted the country to develop its manufacturing and agriculture sectors. What was previously imported is now being exported, while oil and gas supplies continue as before. This was stated by President Sadyr Zhaparov, commenting on the sanctions against Capital Bank.

“After the sanctions against Sberbank were introduced, its net annual profit in 2024 grew by 4.8% and exceeded $13 billion. Yes, there are consequences in certain sectors, but there is no critical decline,” Sadyr Zhaparov noted.

The president stressed that Western countries understand the situation perfectly well, but continue to trade with Russia. In 2024, EU countries traded $141 billion with Russia, of which $36 billion was imports of goods. The UK, which imposed sanctions against Capital Bank, itself traded $2.2 billion with Russia in 2024.

"Our banks are mainly engaged in transferring money from migrants from Russia. This is just as necessary as it is for Western countries themselves. Therefore, before demanding anything from others, we must set an example ourselves," the head of state added.

The president stressed that Kyrgyzstan is reviving its economy on its own and considers such sanctions to be interference in its internal affairs.

“We comply with international obligations and will continue to do so. But I will not allow the interests of our citizens and the development of the economy to be ignored. Even under the pressure of sanctions, our lives and economic activities will continue,” Sadyr Zhaparov said.