Expert Comments on Situation Surrounding Ukraine

On the night of November 22, several hours after Putin’s address, President Qasym-Jomart Toqayev instructed the Prime Minister, heads of security agencies, Akims, and the Presidential Administration Head to take urgent measures to ensure the security of critical military and civilian facilities.

Presidential Spokesperson Berik Uali said the speakers of parliament chambers had also been informed of the measures being taken.

The situation in the country is under the personal control of the President. For our state, the main strategic goal is to maintain stability, calm, law and order. Kazakhstan consistently advocates for the cessation of hostilities between the two Slavic peoples through negotiations, the president's press secretary wrote on Facebook. 

On the morning of November 22, Kazakhstan's Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov met with the Cabinet of Ministers to discuss security. 

Political scientist Marat Shibutov believes that the current global tensions create notable risks for stability, including for Kazakhstan.

He noted that during escalating conflicts, the activity of forces previously remaining in the shadows intensifies:

Firstly, we need to understand that such tension always leads to the activation of those who have been sitting quietly for now. These may be not only the military forces of other states but also extremist groups that use chaos for their own interests. This is a big problem for us, because such forces are capable of destabilizing the situation, threatening our regions as well,
 Shibutov stated.

Shibutov also warned that the escalation of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine could negatively impact Kazakhstan.

In his opinion, this would worsen the problems with transit through Russia, increasing the risks for cargo transportation. Kazakhstani facilities located on the territory of both countries could also be at risk.

Original Author: Artem Volkov