As global tensions rise amid the ongoing Ukraine conflict, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s two-day visit to Kazakhstan carries significant geopolitical weight. Starting on Wednesday, the visit underscores Russia’s efforts to strengthen its alliances in Central Asia, a region increasingly caught in the crossfire of international power struggles. Kazakhstan, a key member of the Moscow-led Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), has been carefully balancing its ties with Russia, expressing concerns over the prolonged Ukraine crisis while avoiding direct condemnation of Moscow’s actions.
In a recent article for Russia’s Izvestia, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s commitment to “peaceful dialogue,” a statement that subtly avoids direct references to the Ukraine conflict. Meanwhile, Putin, writing in a Kazakh state newspaper, emphasized the shared “cultural, spiritual, and moral values” between the two nations and expressed his readiness to strengthen their “friendly and allied relations.” This diplomatic exchange reflects the strategic importance of the visit, which is expected to yield both symbolic and practical outcomes.
The timing of the visit is crucial, coming as trade relations between Russia and Kazakhstan have faced recent strains. Moscow imposed a ban on certain Kazakh agricultural exports after Kazakhstan declined to join the BRICS alliance, a decision that aligns with Russia’s broader policy to challenge Western influence globally. Additionally, the geopolitical climate is growing more volatile, as evidenced by Russia’s test-firing of a hypersonic missile and Ukraine’s use of long-range missiles, supplied by the U.S. and the U.K., to target Russian territories.
Tokayev has called for a peaceful resolution to the Ukraine crisis, warning against further escalation, which he describes as posing “irreparable consequences for humanity.” These remarks set the stage for high-stakes talks between the two leaders. Despite the constrained nature of Putin’s international travel since the 2022 Ukraine invasion, his consistent engagement with Central Asian countries highlights the strategic importance of the region to Russia’s broader foreign policy.
At the core of Putin’s visit are discussions on enhancing trade and energy cooperation. A significant agenda item is the construction of Kazakhstan’s first nuclear power plant, for which Russia’s Rosatom is vying for the contract. Kazakhstan, a top global uranium producer (accounting for 43% of global supply), has yet to develop its own nuclear reactors. Putin’s comments about Rosatom’s readiness for “large-scale projects” with Kazakhstan underscore the critical economic dimensions of their partnership. Multiple agreements are expected to be signed during the visit, culminating in a joint media statement.
On Thursday, the CSTO summit in Astana will address pressing regional issues, likely including the Ukraine conflict. Reports suggest that the organization will discuss “Western approval for long-range missile strikes on Russian soil.” However, Armenia’s suspension from the CSTO, stemming from dissatisfaction with Moscow’s handling of the Azerbaijan conflict, raises questions about the alliance’s cohesion. Despite this, Kremlin officials have assured that Armenia remains a member and can rejoin at any time. The outcome of the summit will be crucial for both regional stability and broader geopolitical dynamics.
