Russia’s Security Council has raised concerns over what it sees as Western interference in the affairs of sovereign nations, particularly in the context of Russia and Kazakhstan. The comments were made during Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev’s visit to Kazakhstan, where he met with counterparts from former Soviet republics in Central Asia.
According to reports from Russia’s TASS news agency, Alexander Shevtsov, Patrushev’s deputy, expressed the view that the United States and its allies are attempting to fuel nationalist sentiments, spread misinformation, and manipulate public opinion, including through online platforms and social networks. These actions are believed to be aimed at creating divisions between Russia and Kazakhstan.
Kazakhstan, a country rich in oil and a long-time ally and economic partner of Russia, has adopted a cautious approach since Russia’s military intervention in Ukraine in February 2022. Kazakh officials have consistently called for diplomatic solutions to the conflict and have indicated their willingness to comply with Western sanctions against Russia while stopping short of officially joining them.
Notably, Kazakh citizens have provided humanitarian assistance to Ukrainians affected by the conflict. Additionally, when Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered a partial mobilization in 2022, some young Russian men who opposed serving in the military reportedly sought refuge in Kazakhstan.