As Russia lays the groundwork for deeper engagement with Central Asia, with a fresh presidential summit reportedly in the works, countries in the region are trying to maintain economic distance from their larger neighbor to the north. In one of the latest examples, Kyrgyzstan’s central bank on Sept. 6 banned the settlement of trade contracts unless goods are shipped directly to Kyrgyzstan. This move could complicate Russian companies’ use of Kyrgyz banks for payments to China. Meanwhile, the refusal of payments by Russian companies through Central Asian banks, including for the purchase of goo…