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).
