Central Asian state media have suppressed coverage of Russia’s war in Ukraine, drawing similarities to Soviet-era censorship. Although some independent outlets report on the conflict, they face backlash from Russian authorities. Countries like Kazakhstan have shown some independence, while Turkmenistan maintains a complete media blackout, highlighting the complexities of media freedom and influence in the region.
The state-controlled media landscape across Central Asia has largely remained silent regarding Russia’s military actions in Ukraine, effectively mirroring the information suppression observed during the Soviet era. This phenomenon is starkly illustrated by Turkmenistan, whose state media has not reported on Russia’s invasion since its initiation. The broader region, characterized by a close relationship with Russia, has similarly minimized coverage of the ongoing conflict, despite its visible impacts on local populations, such as the return of deceased soldiers to their home countries. While independent media outlets have extensively covered the war over the past two and a half years, they often do so at great risk of inciting discontent from Russian authorities. For instance, Kazakhstan, which shares a significant border with Russia, has issued some of the more courageous statements in the region, refusing to acknowledge territory annexed by Russia during this conflict. Still, state media continues to depict an image of normalcy, opting to report on unrelated international events rather than the war in Ukraine. Kazakhstan’s state television has notably covered incidents far removed from its security landscape, such as forest fires in Bolivia, while failing to report on critical developments in Ukraine. Early 2023 saw a brief acknowledgment of a humanitarian initiative by Kazakh businessmen to assist Ukraine, but subsequent Russian diplomatic displeasure led to a notable decline in coverage thereafter. In neighboring Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, state-run broadcasters have completely shunned the subject, whereas Kyrgyz media offers sporadic references, chiefly when events are undeniable. The private sector displays a mixed response; some outlets engage with the situation more critically. However, these independent media have attracted repercussions, including censorship and investigations into alleged propaganda. A notable case involved the Kyrgyz outlet 24.kg, which faced state scrutiny following its default stance on the conflict and was subsequently blocked in Russia after featuring interviews with combatants supportive of Ukraine. Despite the harsh restrictions, a few private outlets in Uzbekistan have escaped similar repercussions, which underscores the variances in media freedom across Central Asian states. In stark contrast, Turkmenistan has opted for an isolationist stance, focusing exclusively on domestic events and leaving discussions about international conflicts, including the war in Ukraine, to foreign sources. This highlights a totalitarian media approach akin to that of the Soviet era. In this context, authorities aim to maintain a façade of neutrality, avoiding any mention of conflicts that could upset their relationship with Russia or impact national narratives.
The media landscape in Central Asia reflects a combination of authoritarian governance and historical precedents set during the Soviet Union, which implemented a strict control over information dissemination. In contemporary times, Central Asian states, many of which have strong ties to Russia, exhibit a propensity to underreport or completely overlook significant geopolitical events, particularly those that relate to Russian foreign policy and military endeavors. The war in Ukraine has profoundly affected the region, with political and economic repercussions evident among residents. For instance, an influx of Russian migrants attempting to evade conscription has put pressure on Kazakhstan’s resources and infrastructure, presenting a scenario that contradicts the portrayal of stability put forth by state-controlled media. Partial coverage of these events by independent outlets indicates a growing interest among the populace; however, governmental oversight and the fear of Russian backlash sharply constrain what can be reported. This cautious approach to information dissemination reveals the delicate balance that Central Asian countries attempt to maintain between acknowledging the realities of international affairs and sustaining favorable relations with Russia.
In summary, Central Asian state media largely mirror the suppression tactics of the Soviet era with their reluctance to cover Russia’s war in Ukraine. The extent of media censorship varies significantly across the region, with some countries like Kazakhstan showing a degree of independent reporting, albeit faced with backlash from Russian authorities, while others, such as Turkmenistan, exhibit complete media blackout on the conflict. This situation underscores the tension between regional governance, societal needs for information, and the ongoing influence of Russia in Central Asian political dynamics.
Original Source: www.rferl.org
