Just before the Russian Invasion of Ukraine, Putin sent forces into Kazakhstan to support the regime against anti-government riots. Looks like the regime is now trying to get some distance from Putin.
I seem to recall that at least one other Central Asian FSU state is also seeking more distance from Russia. Which is interesting because the fall of Afghanistan to the Taliban has put Islamist insurgents right at their doorstep. And religion is the only institution left to oppose the ruling autocrats.
Kazakhstan is claiming that it will work with Russia in an “intensified manner” while not violating Western sanctions
A tough needle to thread and a sign of trouble for the Eurasian Economic Union— Samuel Ramani (@SamRamani2) June 19, 2022