Who Writes the Rules? Trump’s Former Associate Discusses Kazakhstan’s Current Position with Orda.kz

Kazakhstan is being promised billions in investments and long-term protection — but only if it learns to dictate the terms of its resource exports and stops acting as a bargaining chip between Russia, China, and the West.

Does the country have the strength and political will?

In an exclusive interview with Orda.kz editor-in-chief Gulnara Bazhkenova, former Trump associate Felix Sater outlines the risks Kazakhstan faces today, who’s still willing to invest in its future, and how the country fits into the global geopolitical chessboard.

He also explains how Russia is using Kazakhstan to bypass Western sanctions, why business belongs in politics, and whether Trump really admires authoritarian leaders.

Felix Sater, originally from Moscow, emigrated with his family — first to Israel, then to the United States. There he built a Wall Street career — and later made headlines for the wrong reasons. After a bar fight, he was convicted and served time in jail, and was later involved in a $40 million stock fraud scheme.

Having pleaded guilty, he became an informant for the FBI, helping take down over two dozen mafia members, including figures from the Cosa Nostra.

Sater later pivoted to real estate, joined the board of Mirax Group, collaborated closely with The Trump Organization, and was even seen as a close associate of Donald Trump, actively promoting the idea of building a Trump Tower in Moscow.

Simultaneously, he has continued to advise U.S. intelligence agencies on money laundering investigations.

Notably, Sater is now preparing to sue Kazakhstan over a major money laundering case involving funds stolen from BTA Bank.

Playing by The Rules: Investments and Resources

Despite being low on some Western investment rankings, Sater believes Kazakhstan has enormous untapped potential — if it plays its cards right.

I completely disagree with experts’ assessments. I see Kazakhstan as a major investment opportunity. The most important thing for any investor is the security of their assets. If investors are guaranteed protection, they’ll flock to Kazakhstan. But so far, I’ve seen only negative examples — over the past 10 years, people have only come to me asking how to protect their capital or find lawyers. 

In his view, the real indicator of investment climate isn’t a rating — it’s the rule of law. If investors can’t count on their property being protected, they won’t come, no matter what the numbers say. In Kazakhstan, the protection of capital and the resolution of property disputes remain persistent weak spots.

Between Two Beasts

Speaking of its geopolitical position, Kazakhstan, with its vast territory and relatively small population, is wedged between Russia and China. This makes it both strategically vulnerable and highly valuable on the global geopolitical chessboard.

Kazakhstan has a unique position — a large country with a small population stuck between two 'beasts' – Russia and China. Its natural resources give it access to the global market. I believe Kazakhstan should strengthen ties with the U.S. and Europe to secure greater protection. The country will be stronger and more prosperous when it actively represents its own interests on the world stage. 

According to Trump’s former associate, close cooperation with the United States and Europe could provide Kazakhstan not only with economic, but also a political “umbrella” — an added layer of security amid rising global tensions and intensifying sanctions confrontations.

More Than Raw Materials

Felix Sater also touched on one of Kazakhstan’s deepest frustrations — its ongoing role as a raw materials exporter. The lingering question is whether the country is doomed to repeat the painful oil pattern: shipping off its resources for next to nothing, while prices and profits are determined far beyond its borders.

Kazakhstan needs to develop its economy and demand top dollar for its resources. In no case should it allow corruption and backroom deals, and stop the formation of an oligarchy.

In other words, Kazakhstan needs to set the rules itself — and that means no kickbacks, no monopolies, and no shady deals behind closed doors.

Under The Microscope

In recent years, Kazakhstan has increasingly been flagged as a potential route for circumventing sanctions imposed on Russia. 

The longer the war goes on, the more sanctions will affect Kazakhstan. The only chance to avoid them is to close the borders — which the country can’t realistically do. The only remaining option is to thoroughly inspect trucks, but that creates logistical headaches and delays at border checkpoints.

In other words, Kazakhstan is left with a difficult choice: tighten control and risk internal supply chain disruptions, or walk a fine line and risk being caught in the geopolitical crossfire.

The Strong and The Weak

Sater also points to a global trend of political newcomers gaining power — a development he finds concerning.

Of course, it’s dangerous when something happens in the country — the average person wants to see a strong leader, someone who understands the situation. To me, the greatest danger is when power remains in the same hands for many years.

He shares his views on world leaders often labeled as dictators. In his opinion, Donald Trump doesn’t gravitate toward authoritarian regimes — he simply respects strong figures.

He doesn’t like dictators — he likes strong leaders. Take President Macron, for example — I wouldn’t call him strong. In my view, a strong politician is China’s Chair Xi Jinping. I consider him strong because he’s willing to do whatever it takes to defend his country and push it to the top. Trump would do the same. The Republicans have a slogan “America First”.

Sater also labels Russian President Vladimir Putin as a strong figure, though with clear reservations:

I also consider Russian President Putin a strong leader. Of course, I don’t agree with his positions — it seems to me he acts in the interests of his inner circle. As for Zelenskyy, he is a very funny comedian, but lacks political experience. Still, time has shaped him, and I believe he’s grown into a strong leader.

When asked whether Trump’s political behavior surprises him, Sater is quick to dismiss the idea:

Looking ahead, Sater offered pointed advice for Kazakhstan’s leadership ahead of any potential meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump. He is convinced that the key is to speak to Trump in a language he understands the most— the language of deals.

I believe that the president’s team (Toqayev — Ed.) needs to prepare for the meeting with Trump. Put a group of business leaders on a plane, and start signing deals with Americans. That’s what will get Trump’s attention and build trust. There is no other way — Trump has been a businessman all his life, and politics won’t interest him. But I believe Toqayev can succeed. 

It seems the time has come for Kazakhstan to start playing by the rules of the global heavyweights — to stop selling its raw materials for pennies and take control of its economic destiny.

That means finally building a system where investors are better protected, deals are transparent, and value is retained in the country. The world is shifting, and with it, the stakes are rising. In this new reality, only those who can hold their ground — even between two giants — will endure and prosper.

Authors: Alina Pak, Yaroslav Arefiev