Kazakhstan boosts security amid Ukraine conflict escalation
The President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, has ordered increased protection of key military and civilian facilities in response to the escalation of the situation in Ukraine.
The President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, decided to strengthen 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, heads of law enforcement agencies, and governors of regions.
Escalation of the conflict in Ukraine
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, emphasised that the situation in Kazakhstan is under Tokayev’s personal control, and the country's main goal is to maintain stability and order.
Kazakhstan has repeatedly called for a negotiated solution to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Nevertheless, the country has become an important transit hub for goods under sanctions imposed by the West on Russia. This also applies to "dual-use" goods, which can be used by Moscow for military purposes.
Tokayev’s policy
Since taking power in 2019, Tokayev has been trying to balance international politics by distancing himself from Russian influences. His 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.
