Kazakhstan bolsters defence amid escalating Ukraine tensions

President Tokayev has decided to bolster the protection of strategic military and civilian facilities. This decision is in response to growing tensions related to the situation in Ukraine.

As reported by the authorities in Astana, this directive was given to the Prime Minister, the chief of the presidential administration, the heads of law enforcement agencies, and regional governors.

Tokayev's decision is a reaction to recent events, including Russia's launch of a ballistic missile at the city of Dnipro and Vladimir Putin's statement about the global nature of the conflict in Ukraine.

The president's press secretary, Berik Uali, emphasized that the situation in Kazakhstan is under Tokayev’s personal control, with the country's main goal being to maintain stability and order.

Kazakhstan has repeatedly called for a negotiated solution to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. However, the country has become an important transit hub for goods under sanctions imposed by the West on Russia. This includes "dual-use" goods, which can be used by Moscow for military purposes.

Since taking office in 2019, Tokayev has been trying to balance international politics by distancing himself from Russian influences. His current term ends in 2029, and in 2022, he won an early presidential election.

Amendments to the constitution were introduced, establishing a seven-year presidential term with no possibility of re-election. The three years of Tokayev's rule before 2022 were not counted as a full term.

Analysts have noted that since the beginning of Russia's aggression in Ukraine, Kazakhstan's GDP has increased, as has been the case in other countries in the region. Kazakhstan strives to maintain stability and calm in the face of international tensions.