Kyrgyz citizen ends up in Russian military unit: Bishkek sends note to Moscow
The Embassy of Kyrgyzstan in Russia has sent a note to the Russian Foreign Ministry requesting assistance in repatriating a Kyrgyz citizen who ended up in one of Russia's military units, presumably as a result of fraud. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic reported this on November 5.
The reason for the appeal was a media report regarding Kyrgyz citizen E.T., who, according to the foreign ministry, ended up in a military unit due to the actions of unidentified individuals.
As reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Kyrgyz embassy also sent official letters to the competent authorities of Russia requesting a thorough investigation, the identification of those responsible, and their prosecution.
Diplomats are maintaining constant contact with the close relatives of the Kyrgyz citizen. The embassy assured that it is keeping the situation under special control and will continue to provide necessary assistance.
What is known about the Kyrgyz citizen
The case involves 21-year-old Elistan Toktogulov. Previously, his relatives appealed to the authorities for help in bringing the young man back from Russia.
According to information from Azattyk, the Kyrgyz citizen found a job advertisement for work in Russia on Instagram. The intermediary offered vacancies for a truck driver, security guard, and auto mechanic with a salary of 105,000–110,000 rubles.
Relatives claim that after arriving in Russia, the young man became a victim of deception and is now being forced under threats to go to the war in Ukraine.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan confirmed the citizen's presence in a Russian military unit, but did not specify whether he had signed a military contract or how exactly he ended up on the territory of the unit.
Foreign ministry urges careful review of employment contracts
Against the backdrop of this incident, the foreign ministry recommends that Kyrgyz citizens verify the terms of contracts and other documents before signing them.
Particular attention should be paid to the obligations a person assumes and the potential legal consequences.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that it will continue to protect the rights and legitimate interests of Kyrgyz citizens abroad.
Earlier, Economist.kg reported that the Center for Employment of Citizens Abroad under the Ministry of Labor and Social Development warned about six fraudulent schemes when searching for jobs abroad. Criminals may pose as intermediaries or representatives of foreign employers, promising employment and assistance with documents.
In March 2026, Ministry of Internal Affairs and Employment Center staff also halted an illegal recruitment of Kyrgyz citizens for work in Russia. The organizers lacked the necessary permit to employ citizens abroad.
