Russia-Linked Nomad TV Launch in Kyrgyzstan Raises Concerns over Propaganda Influence
A new Kyrgyz TV station, Nomad TV, is launching on November 27, raising concerns that it may serve as a Russian propaganda platform in Central Asia. The channel’s leadership includes Anna Abakumova, a longtime senior producer at Russia’s state-backed RT and a close ally of Margarita Simonyan, the Kremlin’s top propagandist.
Why the Concerns?
Abakumova previously produced frontline coverage from Russian-occupied territories in Ukraine and received awards from the Russian government.
She is widely seen as acting under the influence of Simonyan, suggesting Moscow may be using Nomad TV to push narratives favorable to Russia.
The channel’s launch comes just days before Kyrgyzstan’s snap parliamentary elections on Nov. 30, amid President Sadyr Japarov’s tightening control over media and politics.
Russia’s Broader Influence Efforts
Nomad TV is hiring dozens of local journalists with double-salary offers, drawing talent away from established Kyrgyz media.
Simonyan is also connected to Evrazia, a Russian nonprofit that opened a Bishkek office in 2024, offering journalist trainings and trips to Russia.
Evrazia was founded by Ilan Shor, a fugitive Moldovan oligarch living under Russian protection.
Russia already has a heavy media presence in Kyrgyzstan through Sputnik and numerous Russian TV channels.
Regional Context
Analysts say the Kremlin is nervous about its declining influence as Central Asian leaders:
- Strengthen ties with the West
- Increase cooperation with China and Turkey
- Distance themselves from Moscow amid the war in Ukraine
Bottom Line
Nomad TV appears to be part of Russia’s effort to retain long-term ideological and political influence in Kyrgyzstan and the wider Central Asian region—leveraging high-profile propagandists, generous funding, and aggressive recruitment just as the country heads into a critical election.
