Kazakhstan ramps up security amid Ukraine conflict tensions

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the President of Kazakhstan, has decided to strengthen the security of strategic military and civilian facilities. This decision is a response to the growing tensions related to the situation in Ukraine.

According to reports from the authorities in Astana, this directive was issued to the Prime Minister, the chief of the presidential administration, 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, 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 affected by sanctions imposed by the West on Russia. This also applies to "dual-use" goods, which can be utilized by Moscow for military purposes.

Since assuming office in 2019, Tokayev has been working to balance international politics by distancing Kazakhstan from Russian influences. His term will end in 2029, and in 2022, he won an early presidential election.

Amendments to the constitution have established 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, similar to other countries in the region. Kazakhstan aims to maintain stability and calm in the face of international tensions.