Article

In late 2025, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced plans to build a small modular nuclear reactor (SMR) in Kyrgyzstan. This initiative aims to address Kyrgyzstan's energy shortages and reflects Russia's strategic shift to export high-technology solutions.

While an SMR could enhance energy security, it may also increase Kyrgyzstan's dependence on Russia. Public opinion on nuclear energy is mixed, with significant concerns about safety and regulatory capacity. The project involves potential benefits and risks, raising questions about long-term implications for Kyrgyzstan's energy independence and regional geopolitics.