For years, Russia’s big cities have been a source of employment and income for the people of Central Asia and the Caucasus. Now, as sanctions undermine the Russian economy, they and their families will also feel the pinch.
At 71 years old, Aigul has a lot to worry about. Besides struggling with diabetes and high blood pressure, she is also raising six grandchildren and great grandchildren while her son and daughter are away working in Russia.
It’s a common situation in Kyrgyzstan, a small country of over 6 million people in Central Asia where many citizens seek higher wages abroad.
Until recently, her children’s Russian earnings allowed Aigul to take care of the youngest members of her family. But then, on February 24, Russia invaded Ukraine. In the next few days, the United States, European Union, and United Kingdom imposed debilitating sanctions, causing the Russian ruble to lose a quarter of its value in a week.
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