Russia’s TASS news agency reported today morning that the United States claims it helps Central Asian countries overcome consequences of ant-Russia sanctions.

Ms. Elizabeth Horst, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary and Deputy Assistant Secretary for Pakistan Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, reportedly noted on January 13 during a congressional hearing that the United States is working with Central Asian countries to help them overcome consequences of ant-Russia sanctions and is ready to provide them with an alternative to relations with Moscow and Beijing. 

Pakistan’s Urdu Point reported today that Ms. Elizabeth Horst said on Thursday that Central Asian countries are asking the United States to help mitigate economic risks associated to anti-Russia sanctions. 

"What they're asking for us is support on sanctions, helping them find a way that they can resist both pressures and giving them an alternative," Horst said during a congressional hearing.  "We have engaged very much with them on sanctions, particularly in Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, as a way to not crush their own economies, when they're at risk"

The United States and European Union have imposed hundreds of sanctions on Russian government officials, entities and business leaders after Moscow carried out its so-called special military operation in Ukraine in February 2022.

Most recently, the European Union officially released its 11th package of sanctions against Russia targeting a list of individuals, banks and companies involved in the production and maintenance of weapons.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has said the Russian market did not collapse after the exit of foreign companies and imposition of Western sanctions.