Russian Ambassador Defends Cyrillic in Kyrgyzstan

Russian Ambassador Sergei Vakunov published an article affirming the importance of the Cyrillic alphabet to the Kyrgyz language, education, and identity in Kyrgyzstan. The diplomat connected the script to the broader Slavic literary tradition, noting over 400 million people currently use it.

Vakunov highlighted that 2026 will mark 85 years since Kyrgyzstan adopted a Cyrillic-based alphabet, developed with the guidance of scholar Konstantin Yudakhin. He asserts this alphabet allowed for accurate representation of Kyrgyz sounds and facilitated a rise in education levels, creating a substantial body of literature.

The ambassador acknowledged Kyrgyzstan’s sovereign right to consider a transition to the Latin alphabet. However, he cautioned that such a change could create a generational divide and hinder access to existing literature, including the national epic Manas.

He also pointed out Cyrillic’s continued presence online through existing domain zones. Further discussion about alphabet reform continues within Kyrgyzstan.