Is Putin losing a key ally

This is the preliminary climate of an discontent that has been going on for months between the two neighboring countries, writes BILD, and Periscope follows.

For decades, Russia and the former Soviet republic of Kazakhstan have been considered loyal partners. The two countries are members of the Eurasian Economic Union, founded by Russia as a response to the European Union and the ODK defence coalition, also led by Russia.

Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, however, there have been no signs of friendship between the two countries because Kazakhstan condemns war and refuses to help Russia overcome Western sanctions.

The sound is becoming more and more harsh!

In a Russian state television, there were violent attacks by Kremlin propaganda against Kazakhstan. But Qassym-Jomart Tokayev did not back off: During the economic forum in St Petersburg, he met with Kremlin dictator Vladimir Putin and kept distance from propaganda. Kazakhstan will not recognise the so-called self-declared republics of Donetsk and Luhansk.

“Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, Russia has followed an aggressive policy not only against the West, but also against its allies”, political science connoisseur Dosim Satpaev told BILD.

Russia has repeatedly crossed red lines in relations with its neighbours, ignoring economic interests and thus provoking counter-responsions. For example, within the Eurasia Economic Union, Russia unilaterally decided, without asking us to curb grain exports. I would no longer describe relations between Russia and Kazakhstan. They will only deteriorate”, he said.

There is a reason for Kazakhstan's refusal to support the war in Ukraine. More than two million Russians live in the north of the country. Russian nationalists have long demanded that these areas be annexed by Russia. Many Kazakhs fear that after the war in Ukraine, Putin could take action against their country.

Putin's “spokeswoman, Peskov, has guaranteed that Kazakhstan will remain an ally”, Dosim Satpaev said. But we know that, at least since the attack on Ukraine, these statements should always be viewed with suspicion”. /Periscopi/