- President Vladimir Putin arrived in Kyrgyzstan on Monday to attend an annual summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), as well as bilateral meetings with leaders of China, India and other nations.
- A heavy police presence and traffic jams were observed in the capital Bishkek ahead of Putin's arrival.
- Putin will meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping to discuss the long-delayed Power of Siberia 2 natural gas pipeline project, and with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
- These meetings, plus a third with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, are part of Putin's nine bilateral talks with foreign leaders extending through Tuesday.
- Later on Monday, Putin will join other heads of state at the opening ceremony of the World Nomad Games, a biennial cultural and athletic event featuring traditional Central Asian sports.
- On the sidelines of the SCO summit, Putin will meet with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian for the first time since the start of the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran in February 2026.
- Putin will also discuss Black Sea security and the war in Ukraine with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and meet with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan to discuss Yerevan's pivot toward the EU and arrests of pro-Russian opposition figures.
- Putin traveled to Bishkek with a seven-member delegation including Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk, presidential aides Maxim Oreshkin and Yury Ushakov, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, SCO coordinator Bakhtiyor Khakimov, and Russian Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan Sergei Vakulov.
President Vladimir Putin's visit to Kyrgyzstan marks a significant engagement at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, where he will hold nine bilateral talks with leaders including Xi Jinping and Narendra Modi.14
The discussions will focus on critical issues such as the Power of Siberia 2 natural gas pipeline project and regional security concerns, particularly in relation to the Black Sea and the ongoing war in Ukraine.3
Putin's agenda includes meetings with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, addressing topics from energy cooperation to Armenia's pivot towards the EU.78
The Russian leader's delegation comprises key officials, including Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk, highlighting the importance of this summit for Russia's foreign relations.
Additionally, Putin will participate in the opening ceremony of the World Nomad Games, showcasing traditional Central Asian sports, further emphasizing cultural ties in the region.
“Putin's agenda includes a first meeting with Iranian President Pezeshkian since the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran began in February 2026, and talks with Erdoğan on Black Sea security and Ukraine. He will also attend the World Nomad Games opening ceremony, featuring traditional Central Asian sports.”
The Moscow Times
