Our People > Vagit Ismailov

Vagit Ismailov

Journalist

Vagit Ismailov is a Kazakhstani journalist. He has worked in leading regional and national publications.

Articles

TCA Interviews

Ukrainian Ambassador to Kazakhstan: From Chornobyl to Zaporizhzhia – Lessons Humanity Risks Forgetting

April 26 marks a date that changed the course of world history. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Chornobyl nuclear disaster, one of the world’s worst nuclear accidents, the consequences of which are still felt today. In an interview with The Times of Central Asia, Ukraine’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Kazakhstan, Victor Mayko, spoke about the scale of the tragedy and emerging threats to nuclear safety. TCA: Forty years have passed. Why does Chornobyl remain a relevant issue today? Ambassador Mayko: Because it is not a story that has ended. It is an ongoing process, the consequences of which continue to unfold. Chornobyl is not only the explosion of a reactor; it is the long-term impact on people, nature, and the economy. In terms of scale, it is, without exaggeration, the largest manmade disaster in human history. TCA: What exactly defines that scale? Ambassador Mayko: First and foremost, the territory. Around 150,000 square kilometers were contaminated. The most dangerous area is the 10-kilometer zone. Isotopes were recorded there that had not previously been observed; they were formed as a result of processes during the explosion. According to estimates, this territory will only become suitable for habitation in about 20,000 years, once the decay of radioactive isotopes reaches safe levels. These were fertile lands, chernozem soils suitable for agriculture. Today, the area is a protected zone, essentially a vast natural reserve where wild animals live. But this is a forced outcome. TCA: As far as we know, you were personally a liquidator. What did you witness? Ambassador Mayko: I was sent there through mobilization. I spent almost a month at the plant, in two rotations. I saw people working on the reactor roof, clearing debris and removing radioactive materials. These were difficult, frightening scenes. People went there understanding the risk, but not always fully realizing its scale. TCA: How many people were affected? Ambassador Mayko: We still don’t know the exact figures. The Soviet system concealed information. I believe the immediate death toll was at least 10,000. But if we include those who later died from radiation-related illnesses, thyroid cancer, stomach cancer, and others, the number rises into the hundreds of thousands. In total, around 600,000 people took part in the cleanup. That is an enormous figure. TCA: Why was information about the accident concealed for so long? Ambassador Mayko: Because the system was built that way. Until the radioactive cloud moved beyond the borders of the USSR, there was silence. Only when elevated radiation levels were detected in Sweden, Finland, and the United Kingdom did international inquiries begin. Then the Soviet Union was forced to acknowledge the accident. TCA: How did this affect people in the first days? Ambassador Mayko: People continued living their normal lives. On May 1, there was a public demonstration. I was there myself with my family, with a small child. No one warned us about the danger. Many felt throat irritation and coughing, but didn’t understand the cause. If people had been...

3 months ago

Fuel prices

Fuel Prices Surge in Tajikistan Amid Middle East Conflict

Fuel prices at gas stations in Dushanbe have risen sharply since early March, increasing on average by 8-9%. The increase has been driven by domestic factors as well as adverse developments in the global energy market. The most widely used AI-92 gasoline has risen in price from $1.05 to $1.13 per liter. Diesel has followed a similar trend, increasing from $1.14 to $1.24 per liter. Prices for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) have risen more modestly, by about 6%, to $0.62 per liter. Prices also vary by location, with drivers noting that fuel in central Dushanbe is traditionally more expensive than in outlying areas. Suppliers attribute the increases to higher prices from producers, but the situation largely depends on external supply chains. Russia remains the primary source of petroleum products for Tajikistan. In 2025, the country imported more than 1.2 million tonnes of fuel and LPG from Russia, accounting for over 70% of total imports. Supplies also come from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan, though their share is significantly smaller. According to official statistics, Tajikistan imported more than 325,000 metric tons of petroleum products in the first quarter of this year, valued at over $251 million, or approximately $772 per metric ton. Compared with the same period last year, import volumes increased by 11.4%, while their total value rose by 8.6%. Experts say external factors are the main driver of rising prices. They point to international media reports that the conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran has triggered a chain reaction in the fuel market, affecting the supply chain from crude oil to refining and retail prices. A key factor has been disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly 20% of global oil supplies pass. At the same time, price trends have varied significantly across countries. Al Jazeera reported that fuel prices rose by nearly 70% in Cambodia, 50% in Vietnam, 35% in Nigeria, 33% in Laos, and 28% in Canada. In Central Asia, however, price increases have been more moderate, ranging from 2% to 5% in March and April. In Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, prices have remained largely stable, which analysts attribute to pricing policies by Russian producers and the availability of domestic fuel supplies.

3 months ago

Victory day

Turkmenistan to Pay WWII Veterans Around $10, Far Below Regional Levels

Payments to World War II veterans ahead of Victory Day continue to vary significantly across Central Asia, with Turkmenistan offering one of the lowest levels of support in the region. At a government meeting on April 24, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, discussing traditional commemorative events for May 9, instructed officials to organize the distribution of commemorative gifts to veterans and women who worked on the home front during the war. A cash payment is also expected. According to available information, as in previous years, it may amount to 200 manats, approximately $57 at the official exchange rate or about $10 at the unofficial rate. The latter figure is more commonly used for cross-country comparisons. Against this backdrop, support levels in neighboring countries appear significantly higher. In Kyrgyzstan, veterans are set to receive a one-time payment of around $2,300. In Uzbekistan, payments will amount to approximately $2,400. Kazakhstan offers the highest payments in the region, with veterans set to receive about $10,500 each. Final figures for Tajikistan have not yet been announced, although last year veterans received around 4,810 somoni (approximately $440-$480, depending on the exchange rate).

3 months ago

Regional Ecological Summit

Central Asia Seeks Solutions to Water Scarcity Amid Climate Risks

Central Asian countries must accelerate the transition from discussing climate goals to implementing them in practice, as water scarcity intensifies and the impacts of climate change deepen, participants at a regional conference said on Friday. A key event on the final day of the Regional Ecological Summit (RES 2026) in Astana was the Central Asian Climate Change Conference (CACCC), where government officials, international organizations, and experts discussed risks to the region’s water, energy, and food security. Participants noted that declining water availability requires a fundamental shift in resource management approaches. [caption id="attachment_47800" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] Image: TCA[/caption] “In conditions of reduced water availability, the priority is no longer increasing water intake but improving efficiency in water use. Today, government support for water-saving technologies covers up to 80% of costs. This represents a fundamental shift toward rational and economically sound water management,” said Kazakhstan’s Vice Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Talgat Momyshev. According to him, by 2030, the use of such technologies is expected to expand to more than 1.3 million hectares, potentially reducing agricultural water consumption by approximately 30%. “This is not just about saving resources, but about forming a new management model where data, forecasting, and cross-sectoral coordination play a central role,” he added. Kazakhstan is also developing a national water information system that will integrate data on surface and groundwater resources. More than 6,000 canals are expected to be digitized by the end of the year, enabling a shift toward predictive water management. Participants placed particular emphasis on the transboundary nature of water resources in the region. [caption id="attachment_47801" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] Image: TCA[/caption] “The development of joint monitoring systems and data exchange, the creation of resilient infrastructure, and the coordination of water and energy policies are becoming increasingly important. We believe that data, trust, and joint planning must form the foundation of effective climate adaptation,” Momyshev said. International partners confirmed their readiness to expand support for the region. “Our current efforts in the water sector are reflected in the Swiss Cooperation Programme for Central Asia for 2026-2029," said Tobias Werder, a representative of the Swiss government. "More than half of its $200 million budget is allocated to water-related projects. Since 2017, we have also actively promoted the Blue Peace Central Asia initiative, which helps strengthen regional coordination and move from dialogue to practical solutions.” Kazakhstan’s Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources, Yerlan Nyssanbayev, noted that the climate agenda in the region extends far beyond environmental issues. “For Central Asia, climate change is no longer a distant projection. It is a factor directly affecting water, energy, agriculture, infrastructure, and public health. Under these conditions, the climate agenda becomes a matter of economic resilience, regional security, and the quality of public governance,” he said. [caption id="attachment_47799" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] Image: TCA[/caption] According to Nyssanbayev, the region must accelerate the implementation of concrete projects. “It is now clear that we must focus on improving project preparation, expanding access to climate finance, and strengthening coordination. Without this, achieving our stated goals will be...

3 months ago

Science

Kazakhstan Student and Researcher Gain Global Recognition in Science

Two recent achievements from Kazakhstan have drawn attention from the international scientific community, highlighting advances by young Kazakhstani researchers in water technology and education. One standout is Dana Kadyrbek, an 11th-grade student at Gymnasium No. 79 in Almaty, who has been named among the world’s top three young inventors. She received this recognition at the Cleantech Days Forum 2026, held with the support of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) at the United Nations headquarters in Vienna. Kadyrbek has been working toward this achievement for several years. In 2024 and 2025, she became a prizewinner at the Kazakhstan Smart Space international competitions, later secured second place at the Olympiad USA, and won the YISF competition in Indonesia. However, her project on extracting water from air has drawn the most attention. Her development, titled “Synthesis of Metal-Organic Framework Structures Based on Aluminum Fumarate for Atmospheric Water Harvesting,” makes it possible to produce drinking water even in arid conditions. In July 2025, the project earned her a gold medal at the World Invention Creativity Olympic (WICO) in Seoul. Another researcher from Kazakhstan has gained recognition in the academic field. Assel Sharimova, a postdoctoral researcher at the Graduate School of Education at Nazarbayev University, has been awarded the Michael Fullan Emerging Scholar in Professional Capital and Community Award. According to the organizers, she is the first recipient of the award not only from Kazakhstan but from the entire post-Soviet region. Only two researchers worldwide received the award in 2026. Sharimova has been conducting research in education for several years. She holds a PhD from the University of Cambridge and previously worked within the Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools system. Her research focuses on the professional development of teachers. “My research examined how teachers build and mobilize professional capital within virtual professional communities, with a particular focus on Kazakhstan. I explored how social networks facilitate informal learning, especially in the context of reforms where access to professional support is uneven. I also integrate these insights into my teaching and work with educators and researchers to support the development of collaborative professional communities,” Sharimova said. The Michael Fullan Award is considered a notable recognition in the field of education. It is presented by the Journal of Professional Capital and Community for research with both academic and practical impact. Award recipients receive a monetary prize and international recognition within the academic community.

3 months ago

EU Sanctions

EU Removes Three Tajik Banks from Sanctions List

The European Union has removed three financial institutions in Tajikistan from its sanctions list. The decision was adopted on April 23, as part of the EU’s 20th sanctions package, according to the National Bank of Tajikistan. The move concerns Spitamen Bank, Dushanbe City Bank, and Commercebank of Tajikistan, which had previously been subject to restrictions introduced on November 12, 2025. “As a result of productive dialogue and cooperation between the relevant authorities of the Republic of Tajikistan and European partners, a favorable basis has been created for reviewing previously imposed restrictions,” the National Bank said. The National Bank also noted that the decision reflects strengthened cooperation between the regulator, government ministries, and the European Commission, as well as the consistent implementation of international compliance standards and improvements in anti-money laundering systems. “The adoption of this decision is viewed as a direct result of expanded cooperation with the European Commission, the consistent implementation of international compliance standards, and the strengthening of mechanisms to combat money laundering,” the statement said. The regulator believes the move will provide a strong boost to the development of the banking sector, increase investor confidence, and expand financial services in the country. The sanctions against the three Tajik banks had originally been introduced under the EU’s 19th package of restrictions against Russia. According to the Council of the EU, the measures included a ban on transactions with certain banks and companies from third countries suspected of facilitating sanctions circumvention. At the time, Brussels considered these institutions potential channels for bypassing restrictions imposed on Russia. The list also included financial entities from Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, the United Arab Emirates, Hong Kong, China, and India. However, specific cases or transaction volumes that led to the sanctions were not disclosed. The wording remained general, referring to “assistance in sanctions circumvention” and “support for the Russian economy.” In response, Tajik authorities worked to secure the removal of the restrictions, providing additional guarantees and information to the EU demonstrating that the banks’ financial operations comply with international standards. For its part, the EU showed readiness to reconsider the measures, taking into account changes in the banks’ financial practices and Tajikistan’s efforts to strengthen domestic financial regulation.

3 months ago

Fuel

Kazakhstan Launches Grain-Based Fuel at Gas Stations

Gas stations in Kazakhstan have begun selling gasoline blended with bioethanol produced from grain. Fuel marketed under the BI-95 brand has been launched by the KazFoodProducts holding. It contains bioethanol derived from processed wheat, creating a full production cycle from agricultural raw materials to finished fuel. A key component of the production chain is the BioOperations facility in the North Kazakhstan Region, the country’s only deep grain-processing complex, where bioethanol is produced. The fuel is then blended and distributed to market by BioPetrolCompany. BI-95 is a gasoline blend containing between 5% and 10% bioethanol. According to the manufacturer, the fuel maintains standard performance characteristics, including octane rating, while offering improved environmental performance. Bioethanol is considered a carbon-neutral component because it is produced from renewable raw materials. Such fuels have been widely used in the European Union, the United States, and Japan for more than two decades. Kazakhstan is only beginning to adopt these technologies, although BioOperations has been exporting its products to EU and UK markets since 2022. According to the developers, the use of BI-95 does not require vehicle modifications and is compatible with existing gasoline engines. Tests have shown comparable power and torque performance to conventional fuel. The primary benefit lies in emissions reduction. According to the company, particulate matter emissions decrease by more than 70%, nitrogen oxides by 25%, and greenhouse gas emissions by 60-70% compared to AI-92 gasoline. The new fuel is already available at retail stations. According to project head Laura Bergibayeva, the launch is aimed not only at expanding the product range but also at reducing environmental impact, particularly in major cities such as Almaty, where air quality remains a pressing concern. The Times of Central Asia previously reported that scientists at Aktobe Regional University had developed a gas purification technology capable of significantly reducing dust and harmful substances in industrial emissions.

3 months ago

Transport

Turkmenistan’s Train and Bus Networks Reportedly Failing Passengers

Overcrowded trains and buses, often carrying passengers without tickets, have long been a feature of life in Turkmenistan, continuing to frustrate residents who rely on intercity transport. As reported by Chronicles of Turkmenistan, many had hoped for improvements following the dismissal of Deputy Prime Minister for Transport and Communications Mammetkhan Chakyev. However, in the three months since Batyr Annayev was appointed to the role, no meaningful progress has been observed in passenger transport services. Purchasing train or bus tickets online is possible only 7-10 days before departure. Closer to the travel date, passengers turn to ticket offices, but tickets are typically sold out. Meanwhile, intermediaries offer tickets at prices three to four times higher than official rates. For example, a train ticket from Ashgabat to the town of Yoloten costs around $8 at official counters, but resellers charge between $26 and $32 for the same ticket. The situation is even more pronounced for Dashoguz: an official seat in a sleeper-class carriage costs about $16, while tickets purchased through intermediaries can reach $58. Residents of Dashoguz region face the greatest challenges. There are reportedly no buses or taxis available. Only two trains run daily, which locals describe as critically insufficient. In contrast, buses and taxis operate to the towns of Bayramaly, Turkmenabat, and the city of Turkmenbashi. Nevertheless, trains on these routes remain heavily overcrowded, with passenger numbers exceeding capacity by 1.5 to 2 times. Those unable to obtain tickets online, at ticket offices, or through intermediaries often pay conductors directly. As a result, passengers occupy not only seats and berths but also stand or sit in vestibules, corridors, and even near toilets. According to the publication, the only noticeable change since Annayev took office has been a ban on carrying traditional Turkmen flatbread and govurma (fried, preserved meat) on international flights. While some restrictions existed previously, eyewitnesses reported that in the early days of his tenure, bins at Ashgabat airport were filled with confiscated food items prohibited from export.

3 months ago

Low-Carbon Transition

Kazakhstan and EBRD Strengthen Cooperation on Climate Agenda

Kazakhstan intends to expand cooperation with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) in the field of climate policy and the transition to a low-carbon economy. Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources Yerlan Nyssanbayev held talks with EBRD Managing Director for Climate Strategy and Delivery Gianpiero Nacci. Following the meeting, the parties confirmed their intention to strengthen their partnership in advancing the climate agenda and achieving carbon neutrality. Kazakhstan has set a target of reaching carbon neutrality by 2060 and has adopted an updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0), which requires a 17% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2035 compared to 1990 levels. With EBRD support, several projects are already underway in the country, including efforts to reduce methane emissions in the wastewater treatment sector and to improve the emissions trading system. These measures are aimed at developing the carbon market and enhancing its efficiency. Kazakhstan is also developing "Qajet," a country platform for energy transition, to help coordinate climate financing and identify priority projects. The energy sector, the largest source of emissions, is expected to be its main focus. Kazakhstan and the EBRD plan to continue expanding their cooperation, focusing on the implementation of practical projects aimed at sustainable, low-carbon development.

3 months ago

Emergency Response

Tajikistan to Gain Access to Emergency Financing Under New World Bank Project

The World Bank Group has approved a Contingent Emergency Response Project (CERP) for Tajikistan, providing the country with a financial instrument designed to enable the rapid reallocation of resources in the event of crises and emergencies. According to Tajikistan’s Ministry of Finance, the mechanism allows up to 10% of undisbursed funds from the World Bank’s current investment portfolio to be redirected annually to emergency needs. This gives the government additional flexibility in managing already allocated resources. The mechanism can be activated following an official declaration of a state of emergency. However, preparations for its use are carried out in advance. Experts note that CERP eliminates the need to seek new funding sources by enabling the rapid redeployment of existing funds. These resources can be used to procure food, water, and medical supplies, provide emergency services with necessary protective equipment, and support the agricultural sector. Assistance to households affected by crises is also provided. The mechanism forms part of the broader Rapid Response Option (RRO) framework, which allows governments to swiftly reallocate funds from ongoing projects to respond to emergencies. Tajikistan has already formally adopted this instrument. The Ministry of Finance also noted that CERP will operate in conjunction with the existing Tajikistan Preparedness and Resilience to Disasters Project. According to officials, the combined use of these instruments is expected to strengthen the country’s capacity to respond to potential risks.

4 months ago

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