Why Is Kazakhstan Turning Its Back on Russia? - VisualPolitik EN

[@khamidkhonmukhtarov6114]

Kazakhstan is a sovereign state. All policies and actions must serve for the interests and needs of its citizens. Huge respect to brother Kazakh people. From Uzbekistan

[@louisecorchevolle9241]

and to the 20% ethnic Russian who are also your brothers

[@NeoEvanA.R.T]

@@louisecorchevolle9241 those ethnic Russian, don't support the war ether, lot of them have family members in Ukraine

[@Hardcore_Remixer]

@@louisecorchevolle9241 Yes. To the 20% ethnic Russians, not to Russia too.

[@edenender]

All those countries from central Asia should unité and get out thé influence of russia.

[@celiovicenteribeirofilho9740]

The risk is that Pootin tried to steal Ukrainian sovereignty because of his Black Sea interests for his fleet in the region and because he sees Ukraine as part of the USSR he wants to revive. In the case of Kazakstan, we have roscosmos. I would expect "bitter words from" Yury Borisov and the nefarious Pootin. I imagine the resentful and envious Dmitry Olegovich Rogozin would have a stroke if control of the facility could cease to be Russian altogether.

[@NLTops]

Kazakhstan didn't turn its back on Russia. Putin started it by saying things like "Kazakhstan never had sovereignty.". This is basically them saying "Yea we do."

[@michaelwang6125]

wait; so on top of saying "Ukraine is never a country" - Pudding also said that about Kazakhstan too?

[@louisecorchevolle9241]

and don't Moscow patriarcat includes west Kazakhstan

[@jagernkk9875]

@@michaelwang6125 yup,basically he said that Kazakhstan was artificially created by lenin and soviet union,so Kazakh people must be grateful towards Russians and et cetera

[@incremental_failure]

According to Putin the midget, only Russia is a real country, everyone else is fake, shouldn't exist.

[@braxon]

@@jagernkk9875 Russia's Opinion of most countries which border it is that those countries were never sovereign. They have been using that BS since the winter war.

[@shk439]

Kazakhstan is not betraying Russia. It is pursuing multi-vector international policy.

[@sirsurnamethefirstofhisnam7986]

Which is an intelligent decision for any country to keep multiple good options available to itself

[@RAS_Squints]

In terms Russia can understand, a 'Special Diversification Operation'

[@pjhgerlach]

hey Russia wanted a multi polar world. 😏

[@TakZ000]

Like Ukraine, Putin also said that Kazachstan is not a state to begin with. "Kazakhstan's President Nursultan Nazarbayev has "created a state on a territory that never had a state," Putin told a pro-Kremlin youth camp at Lake Seliger near Moscow. "Kazakhs never had any statehood, he has created it."" So basically, it is just a question of time when Russia will conquer Kazakhstan.

[@FunkcijaDijagonale]

Question is, will putin see ot that way

[@iche9373]

It's not a betray. It's a special social interaction.

[@supernt7852]

Special Diplomatic Operation

[@siratshi455]

As a Kazakh, thanks VisualPolitik for covering us. And kudos to you for mentioning the atrocities of the Russians/Soviets, something which is often overlooked and overshadowed by Ukraine. We're being sandwiched between Russia and China and have to balance our politics but with this operation thing going on this balance is shifted which can be both disastrous and beneficial to our country. Only time will show.

[@boynamesue7720]

Hoping the best for you.

[@ada6220]

Actually if we establish a Turkic Union, Kazakhstan can reach the Mediterranean and Europe through our straits and reduce the Russian/Chinese influence. Bizim kanımız bir so we should help each other

[@TarlanT]

@@ada6220 Jasasyn Turan!

[@ada6220]

@@TarlanT Yașasın Türk halklarının birliği but no Turan because unfortunately Turan is not a realistic goal for today

[@UbermanNullist]

As Koreans, we support our brothers. You are the original owners of this land, not China or Russia. We must restore the golden land that connects Kazakhstan to Mongolia and Korea and build an alliance of democratic countries.

[@kfan4658]

Kazakhstan have actually the same problem with Ukraine, Kazakhstan have big number of Russian population in northern part of kazakhs territory that can declare it's own independence if Putin or Russia will secretly sabotage it. It's the same of what they did to justify the invasion of Ukraine the rebellion of pro Russian in luhansk and Donetsk.

[@dubab.249]

Democratic elections were used by some nations long before the ancient Greeks, it is sad to provoke war and occupation in addition to peaceful agreements on the coexistence of different nations in the same area. In America, you are an American no matter how many nations live there, and they went through a war to apply it. In our country they say; fools die for ideals, don't you too, save your lives, go to the elections, peoples can choose who they will live with, there are autonomous regions, cantons (Switzerland)... Better 100 years of negotiations than 1 day of war, especially with today's technology. Protect your religion, culture, identity and above all lives.🇰🇿❤️🇭🇷

[@iVyperion]

@@dubab.249 Are you Hrvatska Croatian 🇭🇷? Wow love the Beautiful Dubrovnik (Wonder why it wasn't part of Bosnia 🇧🇦? Which is also an Exclave much like Kaliningrad still being Ruzzian and sandwiched between Polska Poland 🇵🇱 & Lithuania 🇱🇹 And Baltic Sea.

[@Srbenda126]

Only if Kazakhstan decides to be RUssian enemy

[@bossanova3292]

Russia has a 5h column in every one of its neighbors.

[@iVyperion]

@@bossanova3292 Does that include My Country Kazakhstan 🇰🇿?

[@MrTryAnotherOne]

I would not call it betrayal but survival instinct.

[@flimosnl7817]

I can't blame Kazakhstan. I will do the same if given the circumstances.

[@Pepe-dq2ib]

Hard to not be on the side that can sanction you and be stranded.

[@rogerpennel1798]

Putin would have a hard time convincing any of the CSTO heads of state that he's actually under attack by NATO. The CSTO wasn't designed to deter NATO it was designed to deter China. I doubt any of the former Soviet Republics would be in a rush to provide cannon fodder for Putin. He would also have a hard time convincing them of his benevolent leadership when he has separatist enclaves that he has held like a dagger to their throats since the fall of the Soviet Block. The same separatists who have repeatedly interfered in their internal affairs and the recurring wars that Putin has waged on those separatists' behalf for the last 20 years. So there's currently an opportunity for the frozen conflicts in the former Soviet Republics to reignite with the Russian military tied down in Ukraine. So far the former Soviet Republics have been playing a waiting game and anxiously watching the war in Ukraine hoping to exploit a Russian defeat. However, if they wait too long they risk a full Russian mobilization and the Russian military being able to redeploy its forces from that front to reopen these frozen conflicts. They may not have as good an opportunity as they have now.

[@user-ek6fl9k0h2e]

We kazakhs want to build Turan, which is include all turkic people to one country like Turkic khaganate!

[@louisecorchevolle9241]

wen I was in Kazakstan in June I heard 90% russian speakers

[@rogerpennel1798]

@@louisecorchevolle9241 - Not for long.

[@miketrn16]

A recent video I saw from Kazakhstan where Kazakhs were upset with Russians for displaying the Z featured the great quote: "First you come with your symbols, next you come with tanks," or something to that effect. Kazakhs know. And this toughness and willingness to act as the sovereign state they are is huge. Don't underestimate Kazakhstan's power and influence in the region either.

[@dagger596]

I hate Russians who run away from Russia into our country and do that. They forget that they are in OUR country and we won’t tolerate them being in here while acting like that. I have also experienced racism form the new Russians.. I hope they never come here again

[@JMM33RanMA]

I had several Kazakh students here in Boston. They were trilingual, Kazakh, Russian and English. They were very touchy about their history and culture, in other words ethnonationalists. Like Ukrainians, the more Russians pressure them, the more they are likely to resist. Kazakhstan is the largest and most powerful of the Central Asian republics, so their becoming neutral would be bad enough, but their becoming friends of the west would be a death knell for Russian imperialism.

[@user-ek6fl9k0h2e]

I am kazakh and agree with u

[@dxelson]

Kazakstan will seek to balance central asian power by using China as a hedge agaisnt russia. With to direct sea access, kazak will nevar be truly a US partner

[@Dave5843-d9m]

Maybe Kazakhstan will send soldiers to fight WITH Ukraine.

[@ShamanMcLamie]

The Azerbaijan vs Armenia war is the big test for Russia. If Russia doesn't lift a finger to help Armenia then that means Russia as even just a regional power is over. Expect Georgia to take a shot at nabbing back Abkhazka and South Osetia. Central Asia is going to be scrambling for new allies. Either China, or America. Russia is just too bogged down in Ukraine to do much else and it isn't looking like they are going to win. Basically Russia had to win this from the get go and they haven't shown any signs of improvement since the start. Quite the opposite. The Russian army is going to be utterly broken by the war in Ukraine and any ability to project power outward.

[@michaelwang6125]

It is a similar case for Taiwan too ~"the more Beijing pressure them, the more likely they are to resist" Back in 2010... there was still over 20-30% who are in favor of Beijing then something happened in mid 2010 when Beijing and the pro-Beijing government try to push for a unification agreement that doesn't allow any open debate... it went downhill from there. Pro-Beijing end up losing the presidential election in 2016. Beijing went to crackdown on Hong Kong in 2019 which made many Taiwanese non-voters flock to support the Pro-Democracy candidate in 2020's election (4 year term) on a landslide victory... to Beijing's and the pro-Beijing candidate's dismay. (namely because it questioned Beijing's own credibility which are now damaged good) This might be a surprise by most of the lands Moscow targeted in Ukraine are on top of the resource rich (oil/gas) region. It would be a problem for Moscow if Ukraine actually tap into those resource and sell it to EU which would have shave off Moscow's $$$ in the long run... but the attempt to annex Ukraine kind of produced similar result which may even make the X-USSR Russia that wants to dominate the region... into a 2nd tier player to China. If Moscow end up seeking for its economic survival where 40-80% of its oil/gas are only being brought by China/India then yeah... Moscow itself may become the #2 on the table and this even if Putin stays in power til he retires. Like UK was the dominate power at one time - Moscow's USSR era is over but it failed to achieve what Japan/UK managed to do for its people. Correction... Moscow did had someone who seek to make the world peaceful and while he is hated in Moscow; history will remember him for ending the cold War

[@braedonallen4291]

I lived in Kazakhstan for 4 years and was in Kazakhstan when Russia fomented the Donbas separatists and annexed Crimea, and I can tell you that all of my Kazakh friends were deeply disturbed by these actions. The possibility that Russia could do something similar to them in the future was ever present to them. I'm positive that they are even more worried by what is happening in Ukraine right now. So, it's not surprising that they would want to strengthen ties with other powers, as a way to strengthen its own sovereignty.

[@JohnDoe-ji1zv]

Whatever happened to Ukraine, will NOT happen to Kazakhstan! Reason is simple, Ukraine been doing everything for the war to happen, with their Russophobia and hostile politics against Russia, while Russia and Kazakhstan have always had a good relationships. Plus Kazakh people never had any Russophobia against Russians

[@braedonallen4291]

@@JohnDoe-ji1zv Russophobia according to Russia is anything against Russia's interests. Kazakhstan's refusal to side with Russia in Ukraine has been called Russophobic according to certain Russian statesmen. Regardless, the idea that Ukraine provoked this war is ridiculous, the simple fact is that Russia wanted war from the start. Every agreement that the Russians made on behalf of the separatists, the separatists very quickly broke, and they never made any serious attempts at diplomacy with Ukraine, NATO, the EU, or the US before the war began. Putin was looking to either force Ukraine back into its orbit, or annex it completely, and he's used similar rhetoric against Kazakhstan in the past regarding the legitimacy of their state. Russia under Putin is an aggressive, expansionist nation, engaging in a policy of imperialism with the goal of building a new Russian Sphere, to the detriment of their neighbors, and all of the Kazakh friends I've made who I've talked to about the situation understand this fact, and it worries them deeply.

[@ferdinandtotski622]

@@JohnDoe-ji1zv 😂🐔🐔🐔

[@johndoe-xz3pq]

I am Kazak, live in the north of Kazakhstan. Russians have always threatened us to annex the north of Kazakhstan since 1991. The year before invading Ukraine russian media propaganda and high-rank political officials started attacking us in media blaming us for nationalism, rusophobia, making ridiculous statements that we never had our land and government. Some russian insiders like professor Solovey said that according to Putin's plan after Ukraine the next target was Kazakhstan and he said it in 2020 so he was right about the agression against Ukraine. Fortunately ukrainians spoiled his imperialistic plans. What I want to say is that the threat from russia is real n our president is acting very wisely now trying to get support of China, turkic countries n the west. People in the west dont know much about russia n usually fed with russian media propaganda as well. russians is a fascist nation n they must be stopped. Their attitude to other nations is pure racism n fascism: according to russians ukrainians never existed, kazakhs never existed n only russian noble people gave these subhumans an opportunity to develop n live in the countries they created

[@sushilover1356]

I'm always want to go to Kazakhstan (+ Central Asia) when I saw their Kazakh's McDonald (KZbin Video), and then I'm looking others video for foods & tourism places but it's cancelled due to stupid war for someone ambition.

[@RokkitGrrl]

Kazakhstan, Ukraine, and Belarus were the three countries that were promised protection in exchange for their nuclear missiles in the Budapest Memorandum, so this is pretty interesting.

[@Ryder2010G6]

2 down, 1 fool remaining

[@fallguyjames]

@@Ryder2010G6 This is because Belarus is way too poor to give up Russia. Ukraine and Kazakhstan can survive and did survive without Russia for many years now.

[@annehersey9895]

@@fallguyjames Belarus is too poor because Lukashenko traded the prosperity of his people for the ability to be dictator for life. Belarus is in the perfect geographical position to thrive in the EU but Luka is holding them back. Without being Putin's bedfellow, he is gone gone gone. Being next to both Poland and the Baltics, Belarus could really be a player. Russia is going to be so militarily weakened by their Ukraine Folly, that the opposition for Belarus just needs to bide its time and they will be able to topple Lukashenko. I wish all people's who want their land free from dictators success!

[@oleyullah]

@@annehersey9895 but he's also was right in his assessment that should Belarus follow Ukraine in its democratic pro-Western internal changes the same thing tbat's happening in Ukraine would happen in Belarus. Russia would have intervened. Sadly, i wish the were not such a cancerous scourge on its neighbours but it's like expecting gravity not to make object fall

[@ashenone3050]

@@oleyullah then belarus would have received support same as ukrania did , lukashenko just wants to be putins dog

[@FallenMonk55]

Thank you Kazakhstan 🇰🇿 I will visit Kazakhstan and learn about your beautiful culture and high morals and integrity

[@iVyperion]

Yes you can visit Our Beautiful Country, we Kazakhs are welcoming to Foreigners Visiting just like Canadians.

[@kaldarbekkenzhe9497]

As kazakh and citizen of Kazakhstan I support changes that are going today! We have little steps to democracy. I believe that Kazakhstan keeps relationship between Russia, Europe, USA as they are most important part of the world for us. Thanks for the video!

[@Milicija-kp1mk]

🇺🇸❤️🇰🇿

[@siratshi455]

Hey fellow countryman

[@Jstars200]

What about China? I assume kazak will always be protected by China from Russia

[@kaldarbekkenzhe9497]

@@Jstars200 I do not think we were protected by China. However we all know China has their interest and they are working on it. Economically for Kazakhstan, this relationship is necessary. For sure, in future this relationship will grow till new level

[@sonneh86]

@@kaldarbekkenzhe9497 what do you think about the treatment of the Uyhhur cousins by China?

[@ionnanskilliorus6877]

You forgot to mention China in all this and how much money they've spent with the belt and road in the country. Kazakhstan can afford to thumb the nose at Moscow because they wouldn't be happy at all if Putin turned it into another conflict like Ukraine.

[@tobyzzz4990]

Exactly. Tokayev actually knows a bit of mandarin and studied in China during the soviet era. With Russia turning to the east as well, Kazah can play both sides.

[@drbuckley1]

All China's B&E project accomplishes is a convenient invasion route from the West.

[@BoycottChinaa]

@@tobyzzz4990 no one play both sides with China and wins.. look at the other belt and road nations today, dystopian oversight and crippling debt, while strategic infrastructure forfeited and starving masses fleeing, while China sends high tech riot control vehicles and torture devices to.. help.

[@donfeloni3923]

Yup, even Xi just recently said that China will protect Kazakh independence if its being attacked.

[@imkeerock]

@@donfeloni3923 Yeah but Xi probably didn't mean an attack from Russia though. Xi probably meant one of the other smaller countries nearby. And since none of those countries will not attack, the promise to defend from Xi is an empty promise.

[@hughjass1044]

I expect there will be a steady stream of countries looking to cut their ties to Russia in the years ahead. No one wants to be tied to a sinking ship.

[@mesh01550]

Very much doubt this, the trends seem to be quite opposite to what you’re predicting.

[@shwethang4347]

@@mesh01550 those countries already are shitholes. Tying yourself with a anti west “super”power is still a better deal than their status quo (Iran, Nicaragua) but a country like Kazakhstan that actually isn’t doing too bad has no reason to be allied with Russia

[@hughjass1044]

@@mesh01550 Oh really.... would you care to elaborate on that?

[@homerj806]

@@mesh01550 How much rubles were you paid to make that statement.

[@fitbunny7182]

@@mesh01550 $1 from Russian Dictators propaganda media Inc have been debited to your account. Thank you for supporting the Dictator on this mission to destroy Russia economically, politically and militarily.

[@SimonWallwork]

How can a Country betray another Country. KZ is just doing what all Countries do, which is looking after its own interests. KZ don't want to annoy the Russians, but they are a more open (but not totally open) state. There is definitely a lean towards European values, made clear enough by their plan to adopt English lettering. I've worked there, liked it, and wish them luck!

[@movax6994]

Thank you for such a beautiful words mate

[@flopunkt3665]

It's not English, it's Latin!

[@Saruman38]

Calling them English letters is just as ignorant as calling Cyrillic Russian letters. From one imperialism to the next...

[@SimonWallwork]

@@Saruman38 Oh alright Saruman. Latin then. The point is, they are inclined towards Europe, not idiot Russia.

[@InfiniteDeckhand]

@@SimonWallwork ''More open'', good joke, lol.

[@ozabot]

Pretty accurate video. One remark: there were two famines on the Steppe. Kazakhs lost more than half of their population (from 6,2 mil to 2.5 mil). So, Kazakhstan is not betraying Russia. You cannot betray someone who holds a gun at your temple. Potentially there could be an invasion of Kazakhstan - not Ukraine. We were expecting that because Russian officials kept talking about 'Kazakh-Russian war' for decades. I guess, Putin decided not to invade the country in January because he had a plan for Ukraine, and fighting on two frontfaces wouldn't fit his image of a 'peacemaker' and 'anti-nazi liberator'. Also, it would be hard to manage two wars the same time. There's another Kazakh proverb to describe this entire situation: "If you want to make friends with Russians, keep your ax sharp".

[@WinterXR7]

All Russia did was put down protesters after the Kazakh Goverment requested them do so?

[@auggieeast]

Because Russia is acting like a criminal state, and Kazakhs don't want to be associated with those crimes, but with Russia as their top economic partner and defender, they know they need to expand their associations and diversify their economy. That's why Xi was in for a visit.

[@rustemzholdybalin6210]

Yep. Rumours of different kind are splashing, but there is a strengthening confidence that Kazakhstan will exit the military alliance (ODKB) with Russia by next year's beginning. One version tells that the China will step up as the guarantee of the KZ's independence during the transition, while other rumour is about creating Turan military block of Turkic countries under the supervision of UK

[@Cazac89]

A typical child's analysis. Before you write something, it would be nice for you to turn on your head. Of course , I knew that education was bad in the West , but that would be to such an extent .....

[@FunkcijaDijagonale]

A good opportunity for central asian countries to diversify their economic, political and military dependencies. Russia is too occupied with Ukraine to intervene in any real way apart from threats. At the end of the day this is self inflicted, Russia wanted to be a colonial power not a economic partner. Living in the 50's

[@JMM33RanMA]

1850's or 1750's? I guess it doesn't matter because Russia never changes, everything they are they learned from the Mongols!

[@moshoodbakare1210]

Lol. How many colonies did Russia have? The countries supporting Ukraine are the ones that kept colonies.

[@harrynikken]

Actually the Russians had all the other soviet republics and all East Europe as their colonies. Difference with the West: the Russians actually want their ex colonies BACK!!!

[@harrynikken]

Fortunately the Orcs are not able anymore...

[@iVyperion]

@@moshoodbakare1210 They mostly colonized their neighbours including Central Asia.

[@agami5547]

Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey can play a vital role by creating an energy transport corridor for Central Asian countries through the Caspian sea.

[@panayiotiskonnaris7763]

Turkey chose to jump on putin's wagon

[@anneonymous4884]

Theoretically yes, but Armenia and Azerbaijan have fraught relations.

[@rustemzholdybalin6210]

@João P K Georgia will be the only option, since Armenia has closed borders with Aze and Turkey. But the sufficient flow of resources is impossible until the Caspian pipelines are built, and it'll take years (and billions)

[@shk439]

Thanks for talking about Semey nuclear polygon, but you severely understated deadliness of the 1930s famine, which was way worse than Holodomor in Ukraine.

[@michaelwang6125]

^they weren't the only victims eithers. China too suffered tens of millions of death due to famine during Mao's era and he is somewhat of a follower to USSR's policy/ideology at that time =/ This was the problem with dictatorship who issue a top-down order where everyone below obeys and are too scare to report any 'bad news' (given that they could lose their life when they do)

[@shk439]

@@michaelwang6125 The problem here that, in USSR only particular ethnic groups suffered the most. Kazakhs, especially. They lost a third of their population. At the same time the number of Uzbeks grew considerably

[@sivx17]

Cant really blame Kazakhstan given the situation. Russia's international trustworthiness and economy are tanking. So its in Kazakhstan's best interest to build better relations with the West.

[@michaelwang6125]

it would have been different if Ukraine had fallen within a week like Afghanistan who's leader fled... what was his name again? Kiddos to Zlensky who was a comedian but managed to make the right decision at the 11th hour for Ukraine's survival. Moscowian... battling to revive USSR and Putin's pride -VS- Ukraine battling to maintain their way of life and nation's survival. Beijing is also facing similar issue with its global reputation in terms of credibility toward promises...

[@louisecorchevolle9241]

I am not s sur as you probably Europes economy will suffer before .the General Winter

[@samdherring]

@@louisecorchevolle9241 one or two bad winters for a future free of Russian energy dominance.

[@andarara-c1p]

@@louisecorchevolle9241 The ones who will suffer General Winter will be the thousands of Russian cannon fodder in the lines

[@saugata2]

I was reading about these alternative routes being explored by Kazakhastan and the EU a few days ago and learned some additional facts about the same. On the topic of Kazakhastan's direction to move forward, I believe, that if a sustainable, practical solution can be found to ship all the OIL to the EU (via the Caucasus), it would help not only them but also Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan as well as other central Asian countries which might help them to be in a stronger position to hold against Russia and China.

[@GK-ui8fv]

That is what he was saying via Baku (Caspian Sea) and also foothills of Caucasian mountain range.

[@livingminimumwage6359]

It just makes sense for the West to fill the void left by the USSR. We need oil and gas and we shouldn't be dependant on a hostile power like Russia. If the Khazak government is willing to play ball and even make slight democratic reforms, I see no reason to reach out to them. Better us than China.

[@Jondiceful]

You failed to mention China's role in all this. Kazakhstan is critical to China's Belt and Road Initiative and is already well connected to China. Then there's the recent visit by the Chinese president to Kazakhstan in which he guaranteed Kazakhstan's sovereignty and independence.

[@rustemzholdybalin6210]

with the international isolation rising upon Russian borders, especially toward EU, Chinese Belt loses its relevance

[@Jondiceful]

@@rustemzholdybalin6210 parts of the belt certainly, but not the whole.

[@rustemzholdybalin6210]

@@Jondiceful but if Chinese can't transport the goods to Europe throigh Russian territory, then the whole northern stream (via KZ) becomes useless, and KZ lefts with big debts and no incomes from the road in foreseeable future

[@Jondiceful]

@@rustemzholdybalin6210 I see your point.

[@nicolas51489]

Russia is loosing on all front, including their regional influence. They would have been been much better of being friendly with the rest of Europe, but it's way too late for that.

[@9w9id]

Except China and India. Why would Russia be Friends with Europe. They are bunch of Russian Haters.

[@kaiznpl]

In their fkd minds this is how friendships looks like. They expected flowers and huggies in Ukraine because they are friendly liberators from “fascists” 😂

[@Srbenda126]

They did try that with Gorbachov, Yeltsin and early Putin. You can't be friendly with someone that wants you gone

[@bangscutter]

China is also eyeing to gain more influence in Central Asia. Kazakhstan knows this and is also building closer ties with China to balance out Russia and playing them off one another. I'm surprised you did not mention anything about China's role in the geopolitics there.

[@Its_a_me_WSA]

There is no "betraying", it's a colonised country that sees its chance to be truly independent from its coloniser

[@junyun6447]

Russia is disintegrating right in front of our very eyes. Not only will former Soviet states distance themselves from Russia, Russia itself will break up into multiple countries.

[@iVyperion]

It is happening already and right now it will collapse for the 3rd Time in 2025, lasting 34 Years and it will turn into Moscovy and then things will started to get better as Ruzzia Collapses, the Agression will decrease and China & USA will be at Cold War, sorta and kinda, China is also collapsing, even USA.

[@RabbitShirak]

God I hope I live to see it happen.

[@didyoumissedmegobareatersk2204]

@@RabbitShirak you think russia will just sh..t up and sit if someotgung even close to that ever happens???

[@RabbitShirak]

@@didyoumissedmegobareatersk2204 Time will tell.

[@danilolabbate]

Too much nationalism for Russia to break away, but it's former colonies will surely leave as soon as they can.

[@dawudsandstorm7852]

Tokayev has been planning on betraying Russia for a while, he just needed a way to get Nazarbayev out of the way in order to do it. He took advantage of the unrest to get rid of all his old allies, Ukraine just happens to make this easier for him.

[@johnbaker5565]

Seems every Republic has a beef of some sort. They are observing that Russia is not helping Armenia or preventing Turkey from arming the Azerbaijanis and Ukraine. It may be the case that all former Soviet Republics with border or diplomatic problems with neighbours can feel free to unilaterally change borders by force. Russia changed borders in Georgia, and if they believe Russia is too preoccupied, they may change them back by force. This will encourage other Republics, maybe Chechnya will begin a 3rd conflict.

[@johnbaker5565]

@Timur Serdengeçti True. Erdogan is creating concern. My sense is that due to the large Turkish Military, and its growing involvement in various conflicts, alarm bells are sounding. Turkey is also threatening Greece, Kurds, Iraqis, Armenians, Russians, Syrians, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and it is this reason that Germany is rearming. Erdogan may perceive the Russian Empire is collapsing, and some can be replaced with 2022 Turkish Empire. Turkey threatened to drive migrants to Europe unless he was paid $Billions. Gullible Merkel made the deal. So Turkey is no friend to Europe, not yet an enemy but more enemy than friend. Crunch Time may come eventually over Greece. Europe and Nato will have to choose and considering the behaviour of Turkey buying Russian Air defences, and its chaotic economy will veer towards Greece. No one trusts Turkey, they seem a misfit in present alliances. Things may change after Erdogan, but like Putin in Russia, both leaders put their countries in reverse gear.

[@michaelnight9162]

I wouldn’t say they are betraying Putin, they just see that ruzzia is heading nowhere fast and this kind of language will help the kaz integrate into other economies when the eventual fall into North Korea status is bestowed upon putin

[@qjtvaddict]

More like force.

[@geopoliticsweekly]

I laughed at the statement the US and EU wouldn’t prop up a dictatorship. 😂

[@jojobetzler6308]

Considering how much EU loves the Turkmenistan, yeah. And the US officials recently called dictator Tokayev a good guy and a democrat xD

[@767scarecrow]

@@jojobetzler6308 Tokayev inherited the role of dictator, what do you want from him? He can't just make the country a democracy overnight.

[@jojobetzler6308]

@@767scarecrow I'm not here to call out tokaev for being the way he is but the west's hypocrisy when it comes to their foreign affairs

[@numu4913]

@@jojobetzler6308 you can't build a democracy between two gigantic autocracies, especially if you have all resources to become their competitors in economic way

[@bagzhansadvakassov1093]

Im from Kazakhstan. We never supported Russia. The problem is we have no choice.

[@steveosborne2297]

I must admit I have been listening to the murmurings coming out of the central Asian republics and those to the west definitely seem to be leaning more towards the EU rather than Russia . As well as countries like Georgia

[@niio111]

Showing a map of existing and proposed oil routes would be a big help.

[@patriciapalmer4215]

I have deep respect for the incredible tenacity and resilience of the hard working, spiritual and warm people of this wonderful nation. Siz beni jaqsi Kazakhstan ♥️

[@MukeshYadav-q7q]

Russia ally Iran china n korea

[@huwenkai440]

An important factor is Kazakhstan, in order to avoid Russian invasion, has turned for helps from China as a safeguard to its security, which is ironic given China's support for Russia. When Putin realised he could do nothing if China has made a guarantee toward Kazakhstan, then nothing could be done for the Russian leader, at least, if Putin is willing to go to China and convince.

[@rustemzholdybalin6210]

China doesn't support Russia, China uses it as a tool to shaken US over global dominance, and views it as future vassal state/states

[@Nastiazik]

*Greetings from the Russian English-language blogger 🇷🇺😂 Kazakhstan wants to get closer to the West in economic relations, and to do this when it will not be possible to be friends with Russia. For example, Belarus is wonderfully friendly with Russia, and they have the same "enemies". It would be more accurate to say that Putin and Lukashenko have the same enemies*

[@NandoUnterman]

Putin has made Russia an enemy for everyone, the amount of distrust between western and some eastern countries with Russia won’t write off for decades, it makes sense that smart leaders of previous partner countries will jump ship before they get dragged due to a crazy man actions

[@tonikaihola5408]

Looks like Kazakhstan is getting cozy with China, getting security guarantees from them 🤔

[@Jstars200]

@@tonikaihola5408 exactly. China would never allow russia to hurt kazak. They have all to gain by siding with China

[@FallenMonk55]

Kazakhstan knows Russia and their atrocities against Ukrainians is wrong. Kazakhs also feel that Russian will treat them the same way as Ukrainians. That is why russians are not welcome in Kazakhstan anymore. Your comment makes no sense because Russians are welcome in turkiye, a NATO country. If russia is so against NATO, why visit a NATO country?

[@cacogenicist]

@@tonikaihola5408 - Security guarantees from China (or at least the prospect of such) and increasing economic ties and friendly relations with the Europe and the USA -- definitely the smart play from their vantage point.

[@dneuf6146]

This is fantastic. Great job on unfurling the Russia Kazakhstan relationship. Never thought I needed to really know this, but cool to learn it just the same! History is so cool, and it is always happening, but most of the time we don't pay enough attention.

[@akertaylor9913]

Communists economic policies also caused severe famines in the 1920s and 30s that forced millions of Kazakhs to starve to death or move abroad.

[@molaehin5545]

Have spent a lot of time in KZ over the years. My take is that the KZ Government are very much trying to diversify away from Moscow. Putin on several occasions cast aspersions on the historical legitimacy of the Kazakh State as he did with Ukraine (he was incorrect historically I might add). Amongst ordinary Kazakhs, the war in Ukraine has deeply disturbed them and they know that if Russia was successful in UA that KZ could be next and we could see Lugansk PR and Donetsk PR repeated in North Kazakhstan. The Kazakh public is very sympathetic to the Ukrainians.

[@tubewatchingelephant]

Really good overview and analysis. Kazakhs know why sovereignty is non-negotiable. Russia will have to get used to the idea of respecting Kazakhstan's borders if it is to have good relations. Kazakhstan can be a leading technological power. It is blessed with abundant resources. Through technical education, cleaner local environment, and strong civil society, it can become a truly great nation.

[@AzogDefilerFromMordor]

One can clearly see that Kazakhs are ethnicaly different people than Russians. They should not pretend to by Russians and forget their own roots, culture and language. Its a shame.

[@louisecorchevolle9241]

there are still 30% ethnic russian in the country

[@saulghim2661]

@@louisecorchevolle9241 Not to mention the massive amounts of mixed blood people. The country has been thoroughly assimilated genetically.

[@iVyperion]

As a Kazakh, it is a Shame that more Kazakhs speak Zombified Ruzzian than Traditional Kazakh, but I myself as a Kazakh do not speak Zombified Ruzzian at all, I tend to speak Kazakh & English but never Zombified Ruzzian, this is because I do not want to be Russophied, I do not want to abandon my Mother Tongue, however as time is passing on, more and more Kazakhs are starting to abandon Zombified Ruzzian and learning Kazakh, it is a shame that we have 2 Official Languages instead of 1 Official Language, God Knows why the Ruzzian Zombie Immigrants & Ruzzian Language still remained in Kazakhstan 🇰🇿 even to this day.

[@iVyperion]

@@louisecorchevolle9241 Actually, it's 20% (Quarter Of Kazakhstan 🇰🇿's Population & Around 3.5 Million)

[@maxh7637]

@@saulghim2661 there are not many mixed with Russians tbh

[@yakamen]

Remember when CSTO leaders held their summit in February? Tokayev was talking about merits of denuclearization and Putin chided him, I paraphrase "Well that worked real well for Saddam". Regardless of actual content of convo, it seemed at the time highly tense to have two world leaders dissent that way in public. Putin seemed very confident Kazakh president wasn't going to push back.

[@annehersey9895]

And as we have seen VERY recently, Tokayev is starting to really cozy up to China. As it is the one country standing between Russia and China, it could be a very big player. Kaz is also a huge part of China's Belt and Road Initiative!

[@emilhuseynov6121]

It would be great seeing how Russia’s hostilities towards the Stan countries can strengthen the Turkish union by encouraging closer ties between its member states

[@iVyperion]

As a Kazakh, that is what we are doing, we are forming Turkestan Federation, Türan Federation or United Turkic Federal States or whatever you like to call, but I want that really bad, this is to protect ourselves from Hostile Powers such as China & Ruzzia.

[@mrobocop1666]

@@iVyperion Kyrgyzstan will never join it, just like Turkic republics of Russia and East Turkestan of China

[@leaveourstatuesalone.3378]

Even the bad guys want to be on the winning side, talk about reading the room, you don’t need to be a fortune teller to see who’s gonna lose this war. 🇺🇦❤️

[@adsri2755]

Sorry to break it to you but even in the worst case scenario where the Russian army is completely defeated, Russia can win simply by wiping Ukraine off the map with nuclear weapons.

[@samuelevander9823]

@@adsri2755 If Russia starts solving its problems with nuclear weapons, so will the United States. Both countries have roughly same amount of nukes (Russia has few hundred more). That stuff is mainly history along with the Cold War. Make no mistake, this war was about NATO/Russian expansionism. That's why US can't allow Ukraine to fall to Russians but also don't wish to escalate things with US military support (aside from equipping ukrainians with weapons).

[@adsri2755]

@@samuelevander9823 united states may solve problems in the future with nuclear weapons (like Iran) but they won't do it against other nuclear powers for fear of mutual annihilation. That's why they are very desperate to stop irrelevant countries from acquiring nukes, such countries could possibly threaten the united states with nukes to extract concessions and the mutual destruction theory would be unequal due to the united state's much greater value compared to say north Korea.

[@samuelevander9823]

​@@adsri2755 I sooner see united states invest in robotics & bombs to mitigate human losses on their side than rely on nukes when they have the biggest military budget in the world. what comes to ukraine, it falls under western sphere of influence. I doubt US would just sit back and watch as Russia nukes western europe. talking about nukes is a moot point anyways & serves as nothing more than fearmongering online.

[@ansusarasunny8157]

@@adsri2755 One or two nuke, that wont make Ukraine surrender, they have withstood wiping out of their entire cities with traditional bombs... Russia may have to use probably 30-40+ to erase Ukraine, but that means radiating worlds largest wheat fields, Europes largest fresh water lake etc....And that radiation might kill millions in Poland, Germany, France etc. The nuclear radiation carrying dust could even affect USA, India, China and Russians themselves as well... Its a totally different game once that happens.

[@CaptainGyro]

As always, outstanding video across the board.

[@jeromevincente2932]

Great Analysis. They should work with the EU to develop the route through the Caspian Sea using large tankers with military escorts to deliver the oil until the war ends.

[@needbettername8583]

Putin essentially keeps punching his neighbours and wondering "why do they hate me?"

[@Redmancala]

This is very good for Kazakhstan. It is their chance to finally start to end the excessive Russian interference and influence in their country. Hopefully Russia doesn’t try to pull its old tricks to try and destabilize the country to keep it under its thumb.

[@Laufbursche4u]

Loved this. I didn't know much about Kazakhstan situation right now.

[@cliffordohrnberger]

When X sneezes Y catches a cold is not a Kazakh proverb...

[@sonofnam4418]

Yo Visual Politiks...After a year of following your videos, I realized how informative they are. You just earned yourself a new subscriber 👍 From Guam, USA 🇺🇸

[@ramkikrishna1462]

Puppets earn puppets💩💩💩

[@Omer1996E.C]

I'm happy to see someone alive from the American colony. Some slaves love to remain slaves

[@sonofnam4418]

@@Omer1996E.C Slaves? I own a four bedroom house with 4 vehicles...What do you own? FOOL 🤣

[@Omer1996E.C]

@@sonofnam4418 I forgot to mention that only slaves think slavery is only physical or material. Or maybe you are a descendant of someone from the mainland (from out of America originally), thus you are not a slave

[@reelhawksstudio]

Great analysis. Please add a map to indicate locations as you speak next time! A visual aid is always helpful :)

[@kazsozdik]

Kazakh here and a long-time viewer of the channel (Simon Whistler "era"). Kazakhstan needs to break away from dependance on Russia AND on oil. Unfortunately Tokayev is fully owned by Russia (exKGB since USSR times and his family is tied to Russia). So the future looks bleak for us. Qairan khalqym :(((

[@numu4913]

who knows bro, maybe he somehow outplays it

[@bongwelll]

PA: "Would you like some coffee? Or perhaps some cocaine and amphetamines?" Host: "Yes!"

[@JJ-ud1xr]

Too much coffee has permanently stayed his teeth yellow. It's distracting

[@MIRAAAS]

My father was born near Ayagoz, not far from Semey in Eastern Kazakhstan - within 40 km circle where the atomic bomb was tested. He actually saw the mushroom cloud and to this day receives a small pension because of that. Two thirds of my nation was killed in a famine that was more like a genocide in 1930’s - when livestock was confiscated (even horses). In modern days, Russia with its colonialism and our corrupt government didn’t let us build any oil pipelines that bypasses Russia so that we could export oil on our own through more friendlier countries such as Azerbaijan, Georgia & Turkey. So yeah, thanks to Russia we are fed up (f-up)

[@danilolabbate]

Damn! Holodomor is well known, but I didn't know this happened in there as well.

[@bekzhanzhumassatov6540]

@@danilolabbate it happened twice in 20s too

[@Bb13190]

Also important for the discussion is the meeting in Samarkand o the Shangai cooperation organisation a couple of weeks ago. During this meeting, China insisted that national border needed to be respected and they will make sure it is the case for the members of the organisations (including Kazakhstan).

[@cacogenicist]

I saw a video of some Russian tourists in Kazakhstan, with "Z" on their vehicles, and the Kazakh locals were calling them fascists, asking them when Russian tanks were going to roll across the Kazakhstan border, and strongly recommending that they GTFO. The clueless Russians were utterly bewildered.

[@iVyperion]

They're not Tourists, they are Illegal Immigrants.

[@live_free_or_perish]

I saw that video too. Its never been clear to me just how independent Russia's neighbors really are. How far can they go before Russia steps in and crushes them.

[@cacogenicist]

@@live_free_or_perish - I would guess they feel somewhat emboldened, with Russia's military being not in great shape at the moment

[@JohnnyChronic18]

Ukraine should hold all territory on black sea not Russia. This would fix the gas issue.

[@-whackd]

Georgia had a large length of the black sea called Abkhazia which has been annexed by Russia recently.

[@howiescott5865]

How is it a betrayal when there was no trust nor respect to or from the big bully next door to begin with? That's like saying Finland betrayed Russia for applying to join NATO after losing 12% of their territory to Russia. Let's not forget where the Moscow lit their first nuke.

[@dubab.249]

Not one but 500, and only 50 km south of the city of Kurchatov. there they keep babies in glass containers and ether.

[@egg174]

Yay Kazakhstan!!

[@Baphomets_Kid]

What happened to Yugoslavia in the 90s is about to happen to the Russian Federation now. Ukraine is just the first big domino to fall. To any Russian reading this, sorry… it’s going to get MUCH MUCH worse, the 90s will be a joke compared to what’s coming.

[@calec22]

What utter nonsense

[@Ocelot835]

I don't think its a good comparison. Yugoslavia fell due to ethnic clashes (with Serbs being only 36.2% of population in total) in absence of any strong authority that everyone listen. Russia, despite its demographic problems, are still culturaly pretty monogenous and there are not much political will in the autonomous regions for the secession (mostly due to being surrounded by ethnic russian territories).

[@gong1616]

Stefan is a Serb for sure

[@Ocelot835]

@@TheSteffffffan Yet even during Yugoslavia they were divided as "equal republics". It's not the case with Russia, not after the fall of USSR

[@m_m5628]

Вы так уверены в том, что написали? Надеюсь, в своих «логических» выводах вы опирались на статистику, любезно предоставленную со стороны ваших независимых сми. Мы можем быть совершенно недовольны проводимой политикой и это абсолютно нормально. Но это совершенно не говорит о том, что русские стремятся к разделению своей территории.

[@hate-chan4369]

Kazakhstan is a independent nation, it can do whatever it wants, and pursue any goals it seems necessary to care for its population. All these nations are starting to see how weak Russia is, and aren’t scared of them anymore. Russia is nothing without its nukes.

[@justinarzola4584]

Those nukes are pretty effective though.

[@miroslavhoudek7085]

Exceptionally concise and fast paced info filled episode!

[@gijbuis]

Tokayev has to grab his chance now that Russia is weakened and pretty much incapable of fighting a war on two fronts. If Kazakhstan succeeds in escaping from Russia's iron claw then Tokayev will become a real people's hero! He needs the West to support him so we should stand open to his overtures!

[@MiaowMr]

Great content! Though am I the only one who finds the show host to be speaking too fast? I even checked if I didn't have the video playback speed on high - apparently it is me being too slow :D

[@steveosborne2297]

As far as I understand it Russia actually has a veto on anyone building a pipeline under the Caspian Sea so it doesn’t matter how long it takes at the moment Russia will just veto it

[@svendevarennes520]

Who gives a shit about Russian vetos at this point, honestly...

[@steveosborne2297]

@@svendevarennes520 I think Kazakhstan are probably getting to that stage and there are at least two others of the Central Asian republics which are thinking exactly the same

[@pjhgerlach]

Veto in what ? We know that Russia has broken many agreements so let Kazakhstan break this one.

[@antonk.2748]

@@svendevarennes520 People who dont want their marine pipeline laying operation constantly harassed by Russian boats and aircraft?

[@svendevarennes520]

@@antonk.2748 better have a pipeline than your entire nation harassed constantly. If you think they're not harassed as it is think again; current conflicts opened a way out for them where they can make new allies that will help them break away from their bully. They just never had the courage to do it on their own.

[@bganonimouse2754]

This is the only channel I know that records its videos in 1.25 speed. It makes our narrator look a little odd tbh

[@ak2009100]

I am from Kazakhstan. And I against war in Ukraine. I don't support Russian troops

[@y3rzhan]

Nice report with no illusions!!! Thanks, will wait for the next one

[@Someone-pi6rj]

Actually, as a Kazakh, I've noticed that we don't support Russia as much as we did it before

[@Omer1996E.C]

How can we trust you are a Kazakh?

[@iVyperion]

Even I myself as a Kazakh, I do not support Ruzzia.

[@Omer1996E.C]

@@iVyperion I don't know if this is good or bad in the long term. I really want Kazakhstan to get out of Russian sphere of influence. Many of us read about how Russia opposed Islam then how the ussr opposed religion, changed the old turkish alphabets and tried to change the demographics alot. I hope central Asia return to it's old legacy, remove ussr borders and restore the lost cultural heritages of central Asia

[@UpNorthCatsFan]

"neaither the United States or the European Union is going to prop up a dictatorship" uh about that...

[@numu4913]

I choked on my tea, when he said it . tbf It's true and no at the same time, our country wants to be a democracy, but you can't build up it between Russia and China, especially when you have resources to be their economical competitor

[@UpNorthCatsFan]

@@numu4913 ill never understand it, governments screams free market and but once a neighboring country has a chance of becoming your competitor they do everything but allow a free market

[@nesseihtgnay9419]

Everyone Is bypassing Russian aggression. EU, Kazakhstan.

[@deadmonkeyblood]

As a Kazakh, I’ll tell you we have a powerful vector policy, we don’t crave warriors, and if you see comments that it is written that Kazakhs and Russian brothers write this, ethnic Russians and we are not brothers, study history before writing this when it was the USSR, they made our ancestors starve and almost erased our nation and even Semiplatinsk

[@dpt6849]

Kazakhstan greatest country of the world🎉

[@wheeliebeast7679]

All other countries are run by little girls

[@saulgoodmanKAZAKH]

The letter "C" in Turkish is read as the English "J". 1:54 would be "Jey-han"

[@universeisundernoobligatio3283]

When Russia invaded Poland, my great grand parents,grand parents and parents we told what is in your stomach is yours the rest is Russias. My family were some of the 5 million Poles were shipped to slave labour camps in Siberia only 4 million came out. Lost family in Siberian slave labour camps. Once you get the Russians out, free people will do anything to keep Russians out.

[@TheStudio-div]

That's horrible, it is a genocide. History should put Stalin equalavent to Hitler.

[@justabunny999]

Hahaha lol, as a Pole I disagree with you, First Germany was way worse... also Not saying Russia was better, but we always fought them and we both won and lost much because of it. But the germans yeah well we all know what they have done over all those years and well we also took much of russias land, and we tried to annex them too. So yeah we are kinda both wrong. But germany we never gave them any reason... they Just took a hatefull aproach to us for no reason... russia and poland have their reasons to fight. Germans never got a reason for it. Russians can Just like us point at the history and war for the scramble of the slavic world. So yeah again not defending russia but yeah Germany :/

[@somerandomguy6028]

It's not betrayal. It's a special international relations operation.

[@MrAvant123]

Kasakstan was glad to see the back of the Soviet Union and is striving to become an industrial powerhouse. It is not betraying Russia because it has been nothing to do with Russia and its policies for a very long time.

[@asylnbola1445]

WTF AS KAZAKH I WILL NOT GLAD TO SEE SOVIET UNION!!!

[@roddizon2242]

Kazakhtan is a independent country , it is not part of Russia.

[@apakansaja8505]

The opposite is true. Russia, like in Donbass Region in Ukraine, plans to annex the Northern Region of Kazakstan bordering Russia, populated mostly of Russian settlers. Kazakhstan do not want to repeat the mistakes of Ukraine and wants Russians to be more Kazakhs than the Kazakhs or go back to Russia.

[@iVyperion]

As a Kazakh, Yes we are increasing security, we will limit Ruszian Zombies from entering our Country, in order to do it, they must have Full Document to enter our Country, this is good because it will also limits Separatism like what they done in Ukraine 🇺🇦.

[@revinhatol]

So a population exchange is possible?

[@mikehallows354]

I wasn't aware of this. Thanks

[@elimaurer9491]

I said 1 year ago "there are reports of a massing of RU soldiers near the UA border" (50k - then 70k-100k). I told everyone I spoke with "they are head faking W but ultimately moving S, they carved a path in Georgia in 08 they had a minor aerial conflict with Azerbaijan, and they have friends South of them. There's a pipeline in the Caspian Sea that would put Putin out of Business if it is fully operable. They're friends with Syria and Iran...

[@aa1944-k2r]

damn, before the Shanghai cooperation organization forum, China's Xi met with Kazakhstan president and said china support the sovereignty of Kazakhstan, and I was wondering are they referring to russia?! world is messed up, but this president seems to know what he is doing

[@Ealsante]

Any country wants to hedge its bets and protect its interests. Dependence on any single country, especially one that's more powerful and highly aggressive like Russia, is... a poor choice. Kazakhstan knows this, and they're not dumb, so of course they try to balance the influences on them once they can.

[@Kiki-en9vm]

Betraying?, they are saving themselves.

[@cte4dota]

Form West everyone who is not in EU needs saving.

[@grek9117]

@@cte4dota You're losing pretty well there, Ivan🤣

[@cte4dota]

@@grek9117 It's all part of grand plan we didnt even started, Karen.

[@grek9117]

@@cte4dota escape plan🤣🤣🤣🤦‍♂️

[@grek9117]

@@cte4dota cowards

[@ronindude9640]

Betraying ? This is the wrong question ! The correct question is: Why should Kazakhstan follow Russia in its rotten path ?

[@assertivekarma1909]

It sounds like everyone would benefit if Russia were smaller in size, maybe even many Russians...

[@NK-mm7zd]

If my friend brutally killed someone and I don’t agree with what he did, am I betraying him?

[@SimonWallwork]

Kazakhstan has rough neigbours. The Bear to the North, the Dragon to the East. It is a huge country- border with Russia is 4,500 miles, but population only 18 million. They are afraid of Russia, which is why they built Astana so far North.

[@TakZ000]

They could be the Poland of WW2. Ouch.

[@serik6276]

Граница 7 600 miles

[@SimonWallwork]

@@serik6276 Thanks Serik. 7,644 Kilometres is correct.

[@SimonWallwork]

@@serik6276 7,600 km. 4,700 miles.

[@saulgoodmanKAZAKH]

Not many after you posted this, the capital was renamed back from Nur-Sultan (after Nazarbayev) to Astana (former name)

[@SoApost]

Kazakhstan can only use the "West" card to a point. The West is not a natural partner for power balancing and sovereignty guarantees in Kazakhstan. Their options for sovereignty guarantees are Russia or China. Bother are terrible options, but that's Geopolitics.

[@jayduke8554]

Outstanding brief, as usual!

[@Desmuu]

No one wants a giant Russian brick chained on their ankle while in the middle of an ocean.

[@concernedliberal4453]

But what about Kazakhstan's #1 exports of potassium???

[@peterxyz3541]

Intense chess match. I hope Kazakhstan can win this

[@paulz6491]

Great video!! (But background music is not necessary:)

[@jayc1139]

Bypass Russia or confront Putin...I think both. I'm sure there'd be some tense situations in the next few months or even years between the 2 countries, tho I think Kazakhstan will still go along with exporting its oil. Kazakhstan is not Russia...whether or not it's considered a part of the Russosphere. It still has it's own government, laws, economy, etc... and I'm certain the leaders of Kazakhstan will do as much as possible to ensure their country doesn't deteriorate because of Putin being a hot headed leader that snaps at his neighbors, and threatens them. Being friends and allied to Putin is worse than the saying ''make a deal with the devil''.

[@qjtvaddict]

With China there Putin can’t do shit.