The world is bigger than Europe. Ukraine should build stronger ties with Central Asia
Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 provoked some very real geopolitical soul-searching throughout Central Asian capitals. Up until then, the economies of five of these states remained oriented towards the largest economy in the region – Russia. The C6 (i.e., Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan) are taking unprecedented steps to…
In February 2022, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, prompting Central Asian countries to reassess their economic ties. The economies of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan (collectively known as the C6) were previously focused on Russia. The invasion forced these nations to diversify their trade, investment, and labor portfolios.
As Russia's economy struggles and xenophobia grows, Central Asian laborers are seeking alternative markets in Europe and the Gulf. Ukraine, with its historical ties to the region, is well-positioned to take advantage of this new opportunity by strengthening private sector cooperation with Central Asia. The volume of cargo transported through the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TTIR) has surged by 62% in 2024 alone, reaching 4.5 million metric tons.
C6 countries are increasingly investing in and engaging with the economies of Turkey, Serbia, and the Gulf. The UAE has become the preferred location for holding companies, regional headquarters, and financial services in Central Asia. Furthermore, Central Asian laborers are exploring friendly markets in Europe and the Gulf, with recently concluded labor agreements between Uzbekistan and several European states.
U.S. President Donald Trump's visit to Central Asia in November 2025 resulted in significant mining, logistics, and airline industry deals, with Kazakh oil and mineral imports to the U.S. increasing from $1.7bn to $4.1bn, and Uzbek exports to the U.S. rising from $50 million in 2021 to $431 million between 2021 and 2024. European countries also demonstrate a strong interest in engaging with Central Asian economies.
The European Commission, EU Council President Antonio Costa, and Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev attended a session on EU-Kazakhstan relations in Brussels, Belgium, in June 2026. Ukraine can benefit from the new opportunities arising from Central Asia's reorientation by implementing promotional trade and investment initiatives.
These efforts can be undertaken in collaboration with Ukraine's Ministry of Commerce and government entities, utilizing existing free trade agreements, bilateral investment treaties, and double taxation agreements between Ukraine and all C6 countries.
Written by urgent.news from Kyiv Independent's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
