Stories from Astana · Kazakhstan

Starting May 2, Kazakhstan will require performers to disclose if they are singing to a backing track. This new regulation aims to inform audiences before they purchase tickets. The mandate aims to ensure transparency regarding live vocal performances.

Croatian authorities stated that Vedran Pavlik, the former head of Croatia's Ski Association, has been arrested in Kazakhstan. Pavlik is one of six people accused of embezzling approximately $35 million.

The launch was part of the Bayterek project, a joint interstate initiative between Russia and Kazakhstan. Dmitry Bakanov, head of the state corporation, stated the rocket was created under presidential orders and government leadership. The project aims to continue improving rocket performance and capabilities. Kazakhstan has joined the group of space-faring nations through the Beyterek project. The project aims to improve rocket characteristics to increase the amount of useful payload launched into orbit.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated in Astana that US and Israeli aggression against Iran has negatively impacted the Caspian Sea. Lavrov described the strike on the Enzeli port infrastructure as unacceptable and inadmissible.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that addressing the root causes of the crisis in Ukraine is necessary for a sustainable peace. He expressed hope that agreements reached in Astana during negotiations with his Kazakhstani counterpart will be implemented. He made these remarks during a press conference with the Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan. Lavrov expressed gratitude to Kazakhstan for its balanced position and understanding regarding the situation in Ukraine. The comments were made during a meeting between the two foreign ministers.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is visiting Kazakhstan for meetings with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Minister of Foreign Affairs Yerlan Kozhabekov. The visit aims to discuss bilateral agendas and strengthen political, trade, economic, and cultural-humanitarian ties. Lavrov last visited the country in April of the previous year for a CIS ministerial meeting. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is conducting negotiations with Kazakhstani Foreign Minister Ermek Koshyrbaev in Astana. The meeting includes both narrow and expanded formats. The discussions are being reported by Komsomolskaya Pravda. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that Moscow is interested in negotiations based on understandings reached with the United States. These comments followed talks in Astana with Kazakh Foreign Minister Yeremik Kosherbayev.

The Uman pipeline consortium in Kazakhstan will implement new fuel delivery terms starting in May 2026. The volume of fuel involved will be 260,000 tons. The Ministry of Energy stated the redirection of delivery ceilings was coordinated with the sender, Megi, and is operational in nature. These changes are not expected to affect the annual oil production plan.

The Ministry of Trade has approved 10 additional companies for foreign trade capital company status, bringing the total to 103. Minister Bolat emphasized the need for fundamental reforms in the multilateral trading system. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that Russia leads in the volume of foreign capital invested in the Kazakhstan economy. Russia also holds the position of the second largest trading partner for the Republic. The announcement was made during a joint press conference with the Kazakh minister. Construction has also begun on the first Archis airport in Karachay-Cherkessia. Russia and Kazakhstan are planning to construct the first nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan using Russian design. Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov identified the project as a flagship joint venture for the two nations.

Kazakhstan plans to redirect oil shipments currently flowing to Germany via the Druzhba pipeline to new destinations starting May 1, 2026. The move is part of a redistribution strategy for the country's energy exports. This decision follows a meeting between Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and President Vladimir Putin in Saint Petersburg. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov described the negotiations as useful. The Iranian Foreign Minister's visit to Russia was noted as occurring during a period of regional changes. The volume of fuel involved is 260,000 tons. The redirection of flows was coordinated with the sender, Megi, and is described as operational in nature. The announcement follows discussions regarding the Friendship pipeline infrastructure. The ministry stated that this change in routing is not expected to affect overall production plans.