Vladimir Putin's visit to Astana for the summit of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) brought attention to rising tensions between Russia and Kazakhstan, reports WP.
The meeting also raised concerns over Russia’s rhetoric regarding Ukraine and its broader geopolitical maneuvers.
During the summit, Putin referred to Kazakhstan as a "Russian-speaking country," a statement partly accurate since Russian holds official status there.
However, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev offered a subtle yet powerful response. While sharing the stage with Putin, Tokayev spoke in Kazakh, catching the Russian delegation off guard.
Putin and his team had to scramble for translation devices to follow the speech.
Anton Gerashchenko, a former advisor to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, described the incident as “trolling at a prohibitive level.”
The diplomatic undertone of Tokayev’s gesture signaled Kazakhstan’s growing desire to assert its independence from Moscow's influence.
This shift has been noticeable in several recent actions by the Kazakh government.
For example, Kazakhstan announced in late 2024 that it opposes Russia using its territory to evade international sanctions. These developments suggest a widening rift between the two countries.
The summit also revealed cracks within the CSTO itself. Armenia's leader, for instance, skipped the event, reflecting its growing discontent with the alliance.
Armenia has gradually distanced itself from the CSTO, halting its participation in military exercises and withdrawing financial support.
During the summit, Putin made controversial statements about Ukraine, threatening to use ballistic missiles if Kyiv pursued nuclear ambitions.
His remarks underscored Russia’s ongoing aggressive posture in the region. Despite this, the CSTO leaders signed 14 documents, though their contents remain undisclosed.
Discussions included commemorating the end of World War II in 2025, a topic tied to shared Soviet-era history.
The diplomatic dynamics in Astana illustrate shifting allegiances and tensions among Russia's neighbors, as well as broader uncertainties about the CSTO’s future cohesion.
