Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine about 20,000 Russian citizens arrived in Kazakhstan. Kazakhstan would allow Russian citizens to enter and stay in the country for up to 90 days using their domestic passports. Kazakhstan authorities promised accommodations, temporary shelter and said they would open facilities. Authorities suggested that the Russians would have to provide their international documents and passport in order to get housing and help. While nearly 20,000 Russians left Kazakhstan in search of better refuge.

Russian citizens queue outside a public service centre in the city of Oral, Kazakhstan September 27, 2022. REUTERS/Raul Uporov

Russians, Uzbeks, and Ukrainians make up majority of minority groups in Kazakhstan. This is due to Tsarist Russia and the Soviet Union using Kazakhstan as a kind of “dumping ground”. Kazakhs were the minority at the time of independence in 1991. They now make up the majority as millions of mainly Russians and other minorities left after independence. Kazakhstan does not seem to have many negatives affects from lack of biodiversity as there are still many minority groups in Kazakhstan with stable communities and actively keeping their cultures alive. An example of this is the Jewish community in Kazakhstan, the community has numerous synagogues, schools, and welfare systems.

“Kazakhstan – World Directory of Minorities & Indigenous Peoples.” Minority Rights Group, 2 Oct. 2023, minorityrights.org/country/kazakhstan/.

Head of Security, Kamchybek Tashiyev said in his inauguration speech that as Kyrgyzstan has had three previous revolutions, one leading to his role as Head of Security, The government has spent over 2 billion over the last two years to prevent any other revolutions. The 2 billion has been spent on apartments, military equipment, and motor travel.

“Kyrgyzstan: Billions Spent on Preventing Revolutions, Says Security Services Chief.” Eurasianet, eurasianet.org/kyrgyzstan-billions-spent-on-preventing-revolutions-says-security-services-chief. Accessed 25 Oct. 2023.

Kazakhstan, In 2019 following the resignation of Nursultan Nazarbayev, Tokayev became president after Nazarbayev was receiving much back lash after the gas prices and inflation. Protests sparked against Nazarbayev and many were killed, a chant said was “Old Man Out!”. Tokayev in response removed Nazarbayev from his security council post and repealed a law granting Nazarbayev and his family immunity from prosecution. Tokayev has since pushed reforms and strengthened Kazakstan parliament, reducing presidential powers, and the 7-year presidential term. Tokayev’s push for a 7-year term was to distance from longtime ally and dominant power, Russia. Tokayev could be in office until 2029 as this is his second term.

Heintz, Jim. “Kazakhstan Holds Snap Presidential Vote After Turbulent Year.” AP News, AP News, 19 Nov. 2022, apnews.com/article/europe-asia-9ef3f56d28c7e75cdf375fa38988a96a.