Ukraine

Ukrainian authorities identified two suspects, both Kazakh nationals. Open source investigations by journalists suggest the two men have government connections.

Outspoken critic of the Kazakh government Aidos Sadyqov was shot in the head on June 18. His attackers allegedly fled back to Kazakhstan.

Kazakh citizen diplomacy can be viewed as a tool for cultivating humanism and demonstrating solidarity, as well as an important foreign policy instrument.

Russia is reportedly looking toward its Central Asian neighbor Kazakhstan for manpower as the war in Ukraine lurches toward its 18th month.

The same circumstances that do not dissuade Tajik migrants from heading to Russia drive some Russians toward Kyrgyzstan and beyond.

The experience of Oleksii Yashchyrynskyi reflects Tokyo's surprising willingness to open its arms to refugees from the Russia-Ukraine war.

While Kazakhstan's government is balancing, these Kazakhstanis have already picked a side in Putin's war on Ukraine. 

The Chinese ambassador to France suggested in an interview that the states of the former Soviet Union were not recognized as sovereign. Beijing walked the comments back.

What trends and events shaped the region in 2022?

Back-to-back visits by Kazakh President Tokayev this week to Moscow and Paris underscore Astana’s unique position.

Despite, or rather because of, the Russia-Ukraine War, the West finally appears willing to take on the challenge of a rising China – perhaps even in the Indo-Pacific.

In a press conference with Central Asian media outlets, the Ukrainian foreign minister urged the region: “don’t let Russia use you.”