Our People > Anton Chipegin

Anton Chipegin

Anton was born and grew up in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. He worked as a television correspondent, editor and TV presenter on the main television channels of the republic, such as NTS and MIR 24, and also as an economic observer at international news agencies and other media resources of Kyrgyzstan.

Articles

Finance

Kyrgyzstan Officially Launches Gold-Backed State Stablecoin

Kyrgyzstan has announced the launch of its own state-backed digital currency, USDKG, a gold-backed stablecoin pegged to the US dollar. With this move, Kyrgyzstan becomes one of the first countries globally to introduce a government-backed stablecoin secured by physical gold reserves. According to the Ministry of Finance of the Kyrgyz Republic, the initial issuance of USDKG is valued at $50 million. A source within the ministry told The Times of Central Asia that this launch marks just the beginning of a phased rollout. “In a few weeks, USDKG will be listed on crypto exchanges, making it available for purchase. If the project is successful, we could double the issuance volume within a year and ultimately scale to $1 billion,” the official said. The stablecoin is being issued by Virtual Asset Issuer, a state-owned company under the Ministry of Finance. The ministry noted that the primary use case for USDKG will be cross-border transactions. Users will be able to convert the digital asset into fiat currency from virtually anywhere in the world. Momentum for the project grew after a high-profile visit in October by Binance founder Changpeng Zhao, who met with President Sadyr Japarov in Bishkek. Following the meeting, President Japarov instructed the National Council for the Development of Assets and Blockchain Technologies to create the necessary regulatory framework to support the launch and international listing of the KGST stablecoin. Simultaneously, the National Bank of Kyrgyzstan is developing its own digital currency. Unlike USDKG, this central bank digital currency (CBDC) will be aimed at broad public use and has already been recognized as an official means of payment in the country.

1 day ago

Driver training

Kyrgyzstan to Nationalize Driving Schools and Reform Driver Training

Kyrgyzstan has announced sweeping reforms to its driver training system, set to take effect at the beginning of 2026. All private driving schools will be brought under state control, and the duration of driver training will be extended from three months to fourteen. The reform was presented at a press conference in Bishkek by Kanybek Tumanbaev, Chief of Staff to the President. He stated that the initiative aims to improve road safety and curb corruption in the issuance of driver’s licenses. “There are too many traffic accidents in Kyrgyzstan today. Young people admit to purchasing driver’s licenses through private driving schools, where practical training often lasts just two or three hours,” Tumanbaev said. Under the new system, practical instruction will take place across different seasons, including both summer and winter driving conditions. The curriculum will also include courses on vehicle maintenance and driving etiquette. All exams will be administered under state supervision to prevent bribery and ensure consistent standards. Private driving instructors will not lose their jobs; instead, they will be integrated into the new state-run driving schools. The cost of training for citizens is expected to remain unchanged. Authorities also plan to introduce a partially online format for theoretical classes. As part of the reform, Kyrgyzstan will abolish indefinite driver’s licenses. Beginning in 2026, all newly issued licenses will be valid for 10 years, aligning with international standards. Citizens holding permanent licenses will be required to exchange them for the new format starting in January 2026. The replacement process will be free of charge and will not require retesting. The reforms are a response to persistently high accident rates and what officials describe as inadequate driver education. In 2024, Kyrgyzstan recorded 7,423 traffic accidents resulting in 514 deaths. In the first nine months of 2025, that figure rose to 9,078 accidents with 636 fatalities.

4 days ago

Gambling

Kyrgyzstan Launches Unified State Lottery Infrastructure

Kyrgyzstan is consolidating all private lottery operations into a single, state-controlled system as part of a national initiative to modernize the sector and align it with international standards. The project is being implemented by the Information Security Center in partnership with the state-owned enterprise Kyrgyzloto. Under the new framework, all types of lottery draws in the country will be brought under state oversight. Authorities say the system will provide full transparency over financial flows, enable real-time monitoring of sales and payouts, and protect citizens from unscrupulous operators. The Lottery Information Processing Center will manage real-time data collection on ticket sales, draw results, and prize pools. Financial and fiscal oversight will be conducted by the Ministry of Finance and the State Tax Service. “Our task is to agree on the rules for conducting lotteries and to form a fund for targeted deductions. We intend to unify the draws and channel the proceeds into useful areas,” said Sherik Kasmaliev, director of Kyrgyzloto, during a press briefing. Government projections estimate that over the next ten years, the national lottery could generate approximately $1 billion in tax revenues and licensing fees. Officials also believe the launch of a unified state lottery system will provide a legal alternative to illegal gambling, help curb gambling addiction, and return billions of som previously lost to unlicensed foreign platforms back into the domestic economy. All data processing and storage infrastructure will be located within Kyrgyzstan, which project developers say will enhance cybersecurity and reduce the risk of capital outflows.

5 days ago

Food Safety

Bishkek City Hall Tightens School Meal Oversight After Mass Food Poisoning

A mass food poisoning incident at a Bishkek school has prompted city authorities to intensify oversight of school meal programs. Eighty children and four adults were affected after consuming shawarma (flatbread wraps filled with grilled meat) prepared with allegedly poor-quality ingredients, according to the Bishkek City Hall. The Bishkek Center for Hygiene and Epidemiology has launched an inspection of all schools in the capital. Dozens of children sought medical care, reporting symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Twelve individuals were hospitalized, while the remaining victims are receiving outpatient treatment. The school cafeteria involved has been shut down pending an epidemiological investigation. Deputy Mayor of Bishkek Victoria Mozgacheva met with the school's director and underscored the zero-tolerance policy for violations of the approved meal plan and sanitary protocols. “All general education institutions in the capital, regardless of their ownership, have been ordered to strictly follow the approved meal regulations,” the mayor’s office stated. “Any deviation from the menu, which is approved in consultation with medical and epidemiological experts, is strictly prohibited.” Preliminary findings suggest the source of the poisoning may have been improperly handled chicken used in the shawarma served. In response, Bishkek authorities have instructed schools to tighten food quality control measures. The Ministry of Health of Kyrgyzstan has also initiated legislation to ban the sale of unhealthy food products in close proximity to schools.

1 week ago

Coal

Kyrgyzstan Boosts Coal Production Ahead of Winter Heating Season

Kyrgyzstan has increased domestic coal production in preparation for the winter, with four of the country's six deposits now operating at full capacity, according to the state-owned enterprise Kyrgyzkomur, which oversees coal mining and distribution at socially affordable prices. To ensure stable fuel supply, Kyrgyzkomur has signed agreements with 126 coal trading bases nationwide. These sites sell coal at reduced prices, aimed at supporting low-income households and easing the burden on public utilities. In the first nine months of 2025, Kyrgyzstan produced 655,000 tons of coal, while overburden removal reached 6.8 million cubic meters. Coal from the Kara-Keche deposit remains the most in demand. It is also supplied to the Bishkek thermal power plant, which provides the capital with heat and electricity. However, local coal is considered lower in quality compared to imports, particularly coal from Kazakhstan’s Shabyrkul deposit. To stabilize the market and prevent price hikes, authorities have tightened oversight of the coal sector. Under an order issued by the Ministry of Economy on September 26, 2025, temporary state regulation of coal prices was introduced for 90 days. “The maximum retail prices are set at $80 per ton for imported coal and $66 per ton for local coal from the Kara-Keche deposit, mined by Kyrgyzkomur,” said Maksat Akylbekov, chief inspector at the Antimonopoly Regulation Service, in an interview with Tbe Times of Central Asia. To curb speculation and prevent the sale of low-quality coal, Bishkek authorities have banned the retail sale of coal in bags. Fuel can now only be purchased by the ton at designated depots. As a result, smaller traders have relocated to the outskirts of the city, where they continue to sell coal in smaller quantities. Sellers report that many residents request 100-200 kilograms of coal, as not all can afford to purchase an entire season’s supply at once or have the storage capacity. In some cases, sellers informally accommodate these buyers. Violations of the government’s pricing rules are subject to fines of $35 for individuals and $150 for legal entities.

1 week ago

Migration

Citizens of Central Asia Face New Entry Restrictions To Russia and the U.S.

Citizens of Central Asian countries are encountering a wave of new travel restrictions from two major global powers, Russia and the United States. In recent weeks, Moscow and Washington have both introduced or expanded measures that complicate entry for citizens of the region, raising concerns about migration rights, bilateral relations, and regional security. Russia Tightens Border Rules Starting June 30, 2025, citizens from visa-free countries, including Kazakhstan, will be required to obtain a special QR code to enter Russia. The code must be secured in advance via the Gosuslugi RuID app, at least 72 hours before travel, or four hours in emergency cases. The app is not yet operational, but Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin has confirmed its planned launch on the same date. While Russia maintains visa-free arrangements with over 30 countries, including Argentina, Brazil, Israel, and all CIS members, these new digital entry requirements apply broadly. Exceptions include citizens of countries already subject to visa regimes, diplomats, and citizens of Belarus, a Union State member. Additionally, as of January 1, 2025, the allowable visa-free stay in Russia for citizens of these countries has been reduced from 90 days per half-year to 90 days per calendar year. Many Kazakhstani travelers fear that the new rules will result in long queues and technical delays at border crossings. More broadly, critics point out that the move undermines the spirit of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), whose member states, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Armenia, Belarus, and Russia, are supposed to enjoy facilitated mobility. Response to the Crocus City Hall Attack The changes come in the wake of the March 22, 2024 terrorist attack at Moscow’s Crocus City Hall, which left at least 145 dead and more than 500 injured. The suspects in the attack were reportedly citizens of Tajikistan, sparking a wave of anti-migrant sentiment in Russia. According to Temur Umarov, a Berlin-based political analyst at the Carnegie Center, Russian authorities are prioritizing security over economic necessity. "Russia is doing everything possible to reduce the number of migrants from Central Asia," he said, noting the vital role these workers play in several Russian industries. Regional Backlash Public figures and officials in Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan have expressed frustration over Russia’s tightened migration policy. In Kyrgyzstan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs lodged a formal protest with the Russian ambassador following a widely publicized incident in which Kyrgyz citizens were forcibly removed from a Moscow bathhouse. Member of Parliament Zhana Akayev strongly condemned the treatment of Kyrgyz nationals: “Partners and allies do not behave like this. They are humiliating our citizens,” he said. Tajik Foreign Minister Sirojiddin Muhriddin criticized Russia’s approach as inhumane and called for migration policies that respect mutual interests and fundamental rights. In Uzbekistan, several bloggers have gone further, calling for entry bans on Russian public figures, including Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, for alleged chauvinistic remarks. Kazakhstan has taken a more measured stance. Aibek Smadiyarov, a spokesman for the Kazakh Foreign Ministry, emphasized that the QR code system does not constitute a...

5 months ago

Soviet Legacy

Lenin Falls in Osh: Central Asia Redefines Its Soviet Legacy

The recent removal of a towering 23-meter-tall monument to Vladimir Lenin in Osh, Kyrgyzstan, has ignited heated debate both domestically and abroad. While many are surprised the monument remained in place for more than three decades after the fall of the Soviet Union, its dismantling is part of a broader regional trend of de-Sovietization, a complex process involving the renaming of cities, removal of Soviet-era symbols, and the reassertion of national identity across Central Asia. A Symbol Removed, A Debate Ignited [caption id="attachment_32769" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] Lenin Monument in Osh, October 2024; image: TCA, Jonathan Campion[/caption] On June 7, Osh authorities dismantled what was once the tallest Lenin statue in Central Asia. Originally installed in 1975, the monument is to be relocated to a city park, according to the local government. Officials stressed the move was intended to improve the city’s architectural landscape, not to make a political statement, and have warned against "politicizing" the issue. Despite official reassurances, the move has sparked sharp reactions on social media and in the press, with Russian media outlets characterizing the relocation as an anti-Russian gesture. Generational divides have become apparent: younger residents tend to support the removal, while older citizens have expressed dismay over what they see as the erasure of history. “It’s a shame. It was more than a monument, it was part of our lives,” Elena, a local schoolteacher told The Times of Central Asia. “We joke that Lenin crossed the ‘red line’ and got demolished.” Irina Bayramukova, a 68-year-old public figure, called the decision a mistake. “The Lenin monument by Nikolai Tomsky was not only artistically significant, it represented an era. Removing it is like declaring war on those who identify with that past,” she told TCA. Kyrgyzstan, like other Central Asian republics, has been distancing itself from its Soviet legacy since gaining independence in 1991. One of the earliest symbolic moves was the renaming of the capital, once called Frunze after a Bolshevik military leader, back to Bishkek, a modified version of its pre-Soviet name. A Museum to Mikhail Frunze still stands in Bishkek, where the thatched-roof hut of his boyhood was purportedly transported brick by brick. A supporter of Stalin’s rival Zinoviev, when forced to undergo routine surgery by Uncle Joe in 1925, Frunze “mysteriously” died of chloroform anesthetic poisoning. Redefining History [caption id="attachment_32778" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] Lenin Monument in Bishkek; image: TCA, Stephen M. Bland[/caption] Originally erected in 1984 in the Central Square of Bishkek, a Lenin statue was relocated behind the State Historical Museum in 2003. As previously reported by TCA, earlier this year a debate on removing the monument altogether flared up. In 2022, the National Historical Museum of the Kyrgyz Republic in Bishkek finally reopened its doors after being closed in 2016 for renovations which were planned to take less than a year but ended up taking six years. Several government officials were charged with misappropriating funds designated for the renovations, with former Prime Minister Sapar Isakov sentenced to 18 years in prison. Reportedly, over...

5 months ago

Politics

Kyrgyz Security Agency Condemns Osh Mayor’s City Toll Plan

Kyrgyzstan’s State Committee for National Security (SCNS) has sharply criticized a controversial proposal by the mayor of Osh, the country's second-largest city, to introduce an entry fee for vehicles arriving from other regions. Mayor Jenishbek Toktorbayev raised the idea earlier this week during a municipal meeting focused on identifying new sources of revenue for the city budget. Arguing that Osh cannot rely indefinitely on central government support from Bishkek, Toktorbayev floated the possibility of charging motorists for access to the city. According to the mayor, Osh is home to over 500,000 residents, with the population exceeding 800,000 when accounting for daily inflows from neighboring areas. “About 56,000 vehicles enter Osh each day, leading to traffic jams, accidents, and air pollution,” he said. Toktorbayev proposed charging 50–100 KGS (approximately $0.60-$1.15) per car and 100-150 KGS per truck, estimating that such fees could generate around 2 million KGS daily. This could add up to an additional 3 billion KGS (roughly $34.5 million) in annual revenue for the city budget. However, the SCNS issued a strong rebuke, calling the idea unacceptable. In a statement cited by local media, the agency warned that the financial burden would disproportionately affect ordinary citizens, particularly low-income families. It added that higher delivery costs would likely be passed on to consumers, driving up prices for goods and services. The Committee urged all mayors and local officials to refrain from proposing such "crazy ideas" and instead focus on addressing the real challenges facing their constituents. Following public backlash and the SCNS statement, the Osh municipal government's Facebook page, which previously contained details about the mayor’s proposal, has become inaccessible. The notion of charging vehicle entry fees is not new in Kyrgyzstan. Last year, a similar proposal was floated for Bishkek as a potential solution to the capital’s worsening traffic congestion. However, President Sadyr Japarov rejected the idea, instead ordering the expansion of road infrastructure and the construction of new parking facilities. The Times of Central Asia has previously reported on Mayor Toktorbayev’s active economic agenda. Notably, his urban development plans have sparked public opposition, including from the head of the Russian Orthodox Church in Kyrgyzstan, who urged city authorities not to demolish a historic cemetery to make way for a new road.

7 months ago

Trump Administration

USAID Freeze Leaves Central Asian NGOs in Limbo

On January 20, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order suspending funding for most foreign aid programs for 90 days. The move has raised concerns among non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Central Asia, particularly in Kazakhstan, which has long benefited from U.S. assistance. The order reads: “All heads of departments and agencies responsible for United States foreign development assistance programs shall immediately suspend new commitments and disbursements of development assistance funds to foreign countries and non-governmental implementing organizations, international organizations, and contractors pending a review of such programs for effectiveness and consistency with United States foreign policy to be conducted within 90 days of this order.” Following this directive, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio instructed all diplomatic and consular agencies to issue “stop-work orders” for nearly all active foreign assistance programs. Impact on Kazakhstan and Central Asia According to reports, the funding freeze is expected to affect university grant programs, entrepreneurial initiatives, gender diversity projects, and environmental efforts. The Trump administration has justified the decision by citing the need to reassess spending priorities. Kazakhstan and other Central Asian countries have received U.S. aid for decades. USAID, in particular, has played a significant role in regional development. The agency’s website states: “In Kazakhstan, USAID promotes the U.S. government's Central Asia Strategy, which supports and strengthens the sovereignty and independence of Central Asian countries, both individually and collectively. It also promotes regional connectivity between Central Asia and Afghanistan, advances the rule of law and respect for human rights, and improves the climate for U.S. investment to foster greater regional stability and prosperity.” Since 1992, USAID has funded projects in Kazakhstan focusing on economic diversification, energy, environmental protection, healthcare, and support for media and NGOs. In addition to funding NGOs, USAID collaborates with KazAID, Kazakhstan’s foreign aid agency operating under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Reactions from NGO Leaders Denis Dzhivaga, director of the Kazakhstan International Bureau for Human Rights and Rule of Law (KIBHR), told The Times of Central Asia that the aid suspension had been anticipated. “Such a measure was expected," said Dzhivaga. "Even during the election campaign and Trump’s previous presidency, it was clear that he prioritized domestic policy over foreign influence. All NGOs working with USAID and receiving State Department assistance have received letters to halt projects.” However, Dzhivaga noted that KIBHR has limited cooperation with U.S. agencies, so the impact on his organization will be minimal. “In any case, this will negatively affect the NGO sector. The suspension is for three months pending an audit, but even USAID does not seem to know what will happen afterward. I don’t think U.S. assistance to Kazakhstan and Central Asia will stop entirely, but certain projects may be reconsidered - especially those related to discrimination, gender issues, and LGBT rights, as President Trump has already expressed opposition to such initiatives.” Replacing U.S. funding with alternative grants will be challenging, he added. “European donors are already struggling to finance Ukraine, so they are unlikely to allocate substantial funds elsewhere. Many U.S.-backed...

10 months ago

Freedom of Speech

How Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan Have Reacted to Pavel Durov’s Arrest

Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, was arrested on August 24 at Le Bourget airport in Paris. He is suspected of illegal activities including enabling drug trafficking, crimes against minors, and fraud. His arrest has been met with shock around the world, especially in countries where censorship and internet control remain pressing. According to various sources, the French authorities suspect Durov of being involved in activities related to the distribution of illegal content through the Telegram messenger. The investigation concerns materials related to extremism, copyright infringement, and alleged assistance to criminal groups. The investigation lasted several months. In response, Telegram said that it has always strictly complied with the law, and is ready to cooperate with French authorities to clarify the situation, expressing hope for a fair investigation and Durov's speedy release. In Kazakhstan, where Durov has long been known for his stance against censorship, his arrest has not gone unnoticed. The Minister of Digital Development, Innovation and Aerospace Industry, Zhaslan Madiev, made a statement that said: “We had a positive experience interacting with the Telegram team. We have often successfully and promptly resolved issues related to the leakage of personal data, the fight against drug trafficking, and the suppression of other illegal activities in the messenger. The Telegram team has always demonstrated a willingness to cooperate to ensure the safety of citizens while remaining true to its principles of protecting privacy and freedom of speech.” He also noted that on his last visit to Kazakhstan, Pavel Durov became one of the trustees of the IQanat project, which aims to support rural children in Kazakhstan. The project has awarded 12 grants worth $365,000. Madiev continued: “He did not just allocate money but personally participated in studying the educational process, selecting children, familiarizing himself with their lives. I am grateful to Pavel's team for caring, and his sincere interest in the development of the children. We hope for a speedy resolution of this situation.” The Union of Journalists of Kazakhstan also expressed support for Durov, calling on the French authorities to ensure respect for his fundamental rights and freedoms, and to conduct an objective investigation into the case. “The detention of Telegram founder Pavel Durov has caused concern among all those who fight for freedom, democracy, and the principles of free speech. It is important to take into account that in several countries where officially registered independent democratic media regularly face persecution or cease to exist at all, where blocking of websites is regularly practiced, Telegram, created by Pavel Durov, is currently almost the only source of bringing to the public objective and reliable information free from censorship,” the statement said. The Union of Journalists of Kazakhstan recalled that in 2018, Pavel Durov received an award from the Union of Journalists of Kazakhstan, precisely for his principled position against censorship. His arrest could negatively affect freedom of speech and human rights in developing countries with fragile democracies. The response in Kyrgyzstan was more restrained than that of the Kazakhstani authorities. None...

1 year ago