Leaked video sparks fears: Is Kazakhstan Russia's next target?
A video that was leaked to the media is stirring up controversy. It shows Andrey Gurulyov, a notorious member of the Russian State Duma and a general, suggesting that "Kazakhstan will be the next target" for Russian aggression. Gurulyov has defended himself by claiming the video was doctored, yet the strain between Moscow and Astana has been palpable for some time.
10:17 AM EDT, April 8, 2024
General Andrey Gurulyov is purported to say in the clip, "The Kazakhs will be next. Everything is already in place." It's reported that he shared these comments with his peers on the defense committee. He implied that after Ukraine, Russia's military focus could shift to Kazakhstan, a move he suggests has been sanctioned.
Is Kazakhstan now in Russia's sights?
Gurulyov's alleged voice in the recording delivers expletives and a demeaning view of Kazakhstan.
After the recording emerged in the press, Gurulyov contended it was fabricated. He denounced it as "enemy disinformation" in a video posted to his Telegram channel.
Gurulyov's previous accusations against Kazakhstan
It's important to recall that this isn't Gurulyov’s first unfounded allegation against Kazakhstan. On April 2, after the Ukrainian military intelligence (HUR) targeted a drone factory in Tatarstan, Russia, close to the Kazakhstan border, Gurulyov insinuated that the drone might have originated from Kazakhstan.
The general opined that the sparsely populated steppe areas in the northwestern region are ripe for clandestine activities, noting, "You can bring anything there."
Astana has firmly refuted the Russian State Duma deputy’s claims.
"The reports in some Telegram channels that drones were launched from Kazakhstan, targeting facilities in the Republic of Tatarstan, are entirely baseless," – stated the Ministry of Defense of Kazakhstan.
On April 2, marking a significant escalation, Kyiv launched an attack on Russian soil over 745 miles from the frontline for the first time since the full-scale conflict in Ukraine began. The Shahed drone factory, which regularly targets Ukraine, and a local oil refinery were among the specified sites hit.
