Media Silence in Central Asia Amidst Russia-Ukraine Conflict
Central Asian state media largely ignore Russia’s war in Ukraine, with Turkmenistan exemplifying this silence. Kazakhstan has made some bold statements, while state media across the region focus on unrelated topics. Independent outlets provide diverse coverage but face pressures from authorities. Overall, the regional response highlights a mix of caution and political sensitivity to Russian influence.
Central Asian state media have demonstrated a notable silence regarding Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, mirroring the censorship methods of the Soviet Union. Turkmenistan’s state-run media exemplifies this silence, having not reported meaningfully on the conflict since its onset. Across the region, government-controlled outlets, interconnected with Russia, have minimized discussions surrounding the war, even as the repercussions, such as the return of deceased soldiers to Central Asia, are felt by the local populace. While independent media have actively covered the war, often attracting local interest, their reporting has incurred the ire of Russian authorities, leading many state-run channels to curtail references to Ukraine. Kazakhstan, the region’s largest country and sharing a significant border with Russia, has made some assertive statements, notably declining to recognize territories gained by Russia during the conflict. Despite this, state media coverage has largely omitted crucial events, focusing instead on unrelated global issues. Kazakh state television highlights examples of this neglect, reporting on foreign occurrences while ignoring significant developments in Ukraine. Earlier in 2023, when Kazakh businessmen aided Ukraine by setting up yurts as humanitarian aid, the initiative drew complaints from Russian officials, leading to a stark reduction in further coverage of the war. Conversely, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan’s state media have maintained a complete lack of reference to the conflict, while Kyrgyz broadcaster KTRK occasionally reports on the situation, albeit in a limited and neutral manner. The contrasting approaches between state and independent media reflect the complex political pressures of the region. Privately-owned outlets in Kyrgyzstan, like 24.kg, have covered the war extensively, balancing perspectives from both Russian and Western sources, though they have faced criticism from both local activists and authorities concerning their reporting angle. Following an incident involving an interview with a battalion commander fighting in Ukraine, 24.kg suffered a crackdown from governmental and Russian regulators. In Turkmenistan, state media entirely avoid discussions of international conflicts, maintaining a policy of neutrality. Reports from this authoritarian state often come only from external sources, such as RFE/RL and a few independent news platforms. The media landscape in Turkmenistan reflects a near-total dependence on the state, akin to the experiences from the Soviet era.
This article examines the media landscape in Central Asia regarding the coverage of the Russia-Ukraine war. It highlights how state-run outlets across Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan have largely refrained from discussing the conflict, contrasting with independent media that provide more comprehensive coverage. The regional political dynamics, particularly the influence of Russia and the authoritarian nature of certain governments, shape the media responses and the information accessible to the public. Kazakhstan’s relatively bolder stance in not recognizing Russian territorial gains during the war further emphasizes the varying reactions in Central Asia.
In summary, Central Asian state media largely maintain a disregard for the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, emulating Soviet-era censorship. This silence contrasts sharply with the more vibrant coverage provided by independent outlets, illustrating the complex interplay of political pressures and regional sensitivities. Kazakhstan’s cautious yet occasionally assertive stance highlights the nuances of media and government interaction within Central Asia, while the prevailing silence of Turkmenistan’s state media underscores the challenges posed by authoritarian governance on informational transparency.
Original Source: www.rferl.org
