Several major Russian television channels have been knocked off the air in Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan after international satellite providers cut the signals to abide by international sanctions imposed against Russia over its ongoing, unprovoked invasion of Ukraine.
Turkmenistan's largest communications operator, Ashgabat City Telephone Network (ASTU), said over the weekend that it was working to organize a backup broadcast to restore two Russian television channels -- Zvezda, the television channel of Russia's Defense Ministry, and Rossia-1.
Other Russian television channels are available in the country. In Turkmenistan, Russian television channels are available only on cable and IP television.
In Kyrgyzstan, local TV provider Aknet said Russian television channels Zvezda, Russia-24, and Rossia Kultura had been unavailable since May 27 due to a "move by several countries to restrict the distribution of all-Russian TV channels," adding that it was working on organizing backup broadcasting for the channels.
Several countries have announced sanctions against Russia's State Television and Radio Corporation (VGTRK), saying the media holding company has played a major role in justifying Russia's war against Ukraine and pushing the Kremlin's narrative in the conflict.