Vakunov specifically mentioned Kyrgyzstan. He noted that 2026 marks the 85th anniversary of the adoption of the Kyrgyz alphabet based on the Cyrillic alphabet. In October 1941, the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the Kirghiz SSR approved a new alphabet based on the Russian alphabet with the addition of the letters «Ө,» «Ү,» and «Ң» to convey the distinctive sounds of the Kyrgyz language.

The ambassador emphasized that the transition to Cyrillic alphabet was preceded by many years of work by scholars under the guidance of renowned Turkologist Konstantin Yudakhin. According to him, it was the Cyrillic alphabet that made it possible to preserve the rich vocabulary of the Kyrgyz language and accurately convey its phonetic features.

The article also states that after the introduction of the Cyrillic alphabet, the level of education in the republic increased dramatically, and by the early 1950s, secondary education had become virtually universal. A large body of Kyrgyz fiction and scientific literature was created in Cyrillic, including works by Chingiz Aitmatov, Aaly Tokombaev, Tugolbay Sydykbekov, and others.

Speaking about the possible transition to the Latin alphabet, Vakunov noted that this is the sovereign right of each state, but emphasized the importance of a balanced approach.

He recalled President Sadyr Japarov’s words that the development of the Kyrgyz language should continue in the Cyrillic alphabet.

According to the diplomat, changing the alphabet could lead not only to costly technical reforms but also to cultural consequences. Specifically, a generational gap could arise, as it will be difficult for older people to relearn, while younger people will have difficulty accessing previously published literature, including the epic poem Manas, the works of Chingiz Aitmatov, textbooks, and scholarly works.

The ambassador also stated that in the era of globalization and digitalization, the Cyrillic alphabet retains its position on the internet. He noted that Cyrillic domain zones already exist worldwide, and the Cyrillic alphabet itself remains an important part of the Eurasian cultural space.