At a time when major powers' interest in Central Asia is increasing, Ukraine is also trying to expand cooperation with regional countries. The visit of Ukraine's Deputy Foreign Minister Oleksandr Mishchenko to Turkmenistan and Tajikistan a few days ago indicates this. Mishchenko, who served as an ambassador in Turkey and Azerbaijan, visited Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan in April. The main topics discussed by Mishchenko in Astana and Tashkent were transportation routes, including the development of trade relations with Ukraine.
Kiev has decided to deepen partnerships with Central Asian countries. On November 16, 2025, Azerbaijan became a full member of the Central Asia format at the 7th Consultation Meeting of Central Asian Heads of State, and this factor has further strengthened relations between Central Asia and the South Caucasus. The recent visit of Turkmenistan President Serdar Berdimuhamedow to Azerbaijan has made a significant contribution to partnership between the two states and has strengthened cooperation between these two neighboring regions. This process is being closely monitored in Ukrainian political circles.
Ukraine has a large untapped potential in its relations with regional countries. In 2006, Ukraine had bilateral trade with Turkmenistan worth about 6 billion dollars, mainly related to significant supplies of Turkmen gas to Ukraine. This is just one example of areas with significant potential for intensifying cooperation. Ukraine, which has taken strategic initiatives against Russia’s large-scale aggression, has several reasons to establish mutually beneficial relations with South Caucasus and Central Asian countries alongside the USA and Europe.
Firstly, despite the economic cooperation of Central Asia and South Caucasus countries with China and Russia, they consistently express support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Kiev is grateful to its partners for this position, as well as for the humanitarian aid, energy equipment, health care, and other assistance provided for Ukrainian children received from Central Asian and South Caucasus states. Ukraine is also satisfied with the increase in mutual support within international organizations with Central Asian and South Caucasus countries.
Secondly, regional countries are interested in developing new transportation corridors from Ukraine to European markets, which will significantly increase trade volume and attract investments and technology from European partners. For this reason, Oleksandr Mishchenko discussed in detail in Dushanbe and Ashgabat the more efficient utilization of the Trans-Caspian Corridor.
Thirdly, Kiev is interested in Central Asian countries expanding the work of Ukrainian companies that have long been successfully operating in the region and implementing numerous large-scale projects ranging from the construction of airports, bridges, road carriers, and roads to high-tech factories. Oleksandr Mishchenko discussed agreements with partners in Tajikistan and Turkmenistan on the restoration of intergovernmental commissions and business councils, stimulating business activities, and utilizing significant potential in this area.
Fourthly, Azerbaijan as well as Central Asian countries, mainly Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan, have vast oil and gas reserves, which makes them natural partners for Ukraine in the energy sector.
Fifthly, Ukraine has traditionally been the main supplier of grain and food products to Central Asia and South Caucasus countries. Ukraine plans to increase exports of its goods and products to these countries. There is high demand for Ukrainian products. At the same time, Kiev sees intensifying cultural and humanitarian cooperation with the regional countries as a key direction.
Thus, Deputy Minister Oleksandr Mishchenko's visits to regional countries reflect Kiev’s vision not only for the current period but also for the post-war period. Ukraine plans to expand cooperation with South Caucasus and Central Asian countries without expecting the specific date when the war will end. Kiev is aware of Azerbaijan's role as a bridge between the South Caucasus and Central Asia. Ukraine wishes to make more use of Azerbaijan's energy and transportation capabilities as its main partner in the South Caucasus. This is also in Azerbaijan’s interests. Much work remains ahead; the sides can significantly expand mutually beneficial relations and realize untapped opportunities.
For five years, Russia has been delivering devastating strikes to Ukrainian cities, towns, and villages, causing deaths and destroying infrastructure. While continuing resistance against Russia, Ukraine is also taking necessary measures to restore the damaged infrastructure. For this reason, on June 25, Ukraine’s Reconstruction Conference was held in the city of Gdansk, Poland. At the conference, it was announced that the European Union will allocate 90 billion euros for financing Ukraine in 2026-2027. Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov also attended the conference. This means that Azerbaijan will also participate in the restoration of Ukraine's destroyed cities and infrastructure.
“Atlas” Research Center