Russia-Kazakhstan Relations Putin’s Noteworthy Diplomatic Visit
Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Kazakhstan on November 9 as part of his ongoing efforts to strengthen ties with this ex-Soviet neighbor and significant economic partner amid escalating tensions with the West, particularly over the situation in Ukraine.
During talks with Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Putin emphasized the “multi-faceted” nature of the ties between the two countries, expressing a commitment to exploring new areas of “strategic” cooperation. This visit follows Putin’s recent trip to Kyrgyzstan for an ex-Soviet summit and a visit to China.
Kazakhstan, a nation rich in oil, and other Central Asian countries have carefully maintained strong economic ties with Moscow while refraining from recognizing Russia’s annexation of Ukrainian regions.
Putin’s foreign travels have been limited since Russia’s military intervention in Ukraine in February 2022. The International Criminal Court’s indictment of Putin in March for alleged war crimes related to the deportation of children from Ukraine has constrained his ability to travel, as any country party to the court is obligated to arrest him on its soil. Kazakhstan, however, is not a party to the agreement establishing the tribunal.
This visit to Kazakhstan comes shortly after French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit, where he commended Tokayev for resisting geopolitical pressures, alluding to Moscow’s attempts to maintain influence in the region.
Russia has increasingly focused on its relationships with Kazakhstan and other former Soviet republics in Central Asia as it seeks alternative import routes to circumvent Western sanctions imposed in response to its actions in Ukraine. The U.S. and its allies closely monitor these nations to ensure they do not facilitate Russia’s import of Western high-tech products in violation of sanctions.
Russian officials, including Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, have expressed concerns about perceived Western efforts to lure Central Asian nations away from Moscow’s influence. Lavrov emphasized Russia’s commitment to protecting Central Asian nations from what he described as “unscrupulous” overtures by the West while acknowledging the region’s freedom to choose its partners.
