The Latest Breaking News from KassymJomart Tokayev

China’s Xi Jinping meets Central Asian leaders: Why their summit matters

China is the region’s top trading partner, but Russia and the US both have a presence, too.

Al Jazeera · Jun 16, 2025

One thing that could rupture Russia’s friendship with China

The Central Asian region’s strategic location between Russia and China has long made it a ‘grand chessboard’ for great power politics

The Independent UK · Apr 4, 2025

Russia and China both want influence over Central Asia. Could it rupture their friendship?

As he looks to solidify his territorial gains in Ukraine in a potential ceasefire deal, Russian President Vladimir Putin has one eye trained on Russia’s southern border – and boosting Russian influence in Central Asia.

The Conversation · Apr 3, 2025

Ukraine war: why central Asian countries want to move away from Russian control

The terrorist attack on Moscow’s Crocus City Hall in March 2024, which left 140 people dead, has sparked a crackdown on central Asian workers living in Russia, and put the relationship between the region and Russia under increasing strain.

The Conversation · May 30, 2024

Kremlin Warns Floods May Worsen As Kazakhstan, Russia Evacuate 100,000

Water levels on rivers in Russia and Kazakhstan continued to rise and flood whole villages and cities on Wednesday, with more than 100,000 people evacuated and the Kremlin warning a "very, very tense" situation was expected to worsen.

International Business Times · Apr 10, 2024

‘Maximally pragmatic’: How Central Asia navigates Russia’s war on Ukraine

Most leaders tread a careful line to avoid conflict as Moscow tries to uphold its relevance in a vast neighbourhood.

Al Jazeera · Mar 22, 2024

Putin visits Kazakhstan, part of his efforts to cement ties with ex-Soviet neighbors

Russian President Vladimir Putin is visiting Kazakhstan, part of his efforts to cement ties with the ex-Soviet neighbor and major economic partner in the midst of tensions with the West over Ukraine

The Independent UK · Nov 9, 2023

Emmanuel Macron vows to boost French cooperation with Kazakhstan

French president compliments leader for refusing to side with Moscow over Ukraine

The Guardian - UK · Nov 1, 2023

Macron is shopping for uranium in Kazakhstan after the loss of Niger

French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in uranium-rich Kazakhstan on Wednesday on the first leg of a trip to Central Asia, a region long regarded as Russia's backyard that has drawn fresh Western attention since the war in Ukraine began. His main aim: securing raw materials and possibly a lucrative contract…

Radio France Internationale · Nov 1, 2023

Fire at ArcelorMittal mine in Kazakhstan more than 30 people

Kazakhstan said on Saturday that 32 people were killed in a fire in yet another deadly accident in a mine owned by ArcelorMittal, with over a dozen still missing, in the Central Asian country's worst disaster in years.

France 24 · Oct 28, 2023