Kazakhstan
Putin visit to Kazakhstan fails to clarify nuclear power plant financing issue
Astana trying to stay in Kremlin’s favour.
Timur Turlov’s Freedom Holding Corp: From a niche broker to a global fintech player
The story of how a small brokerage firm transformed into a transnational financial ecosystem.
Putin deepens ties with Kazakhstan with nuclear power plant deal and renewed friendship declaration during state visit
Vladimir Putin arrived in Astana on Wednesday for a three-day state visit to Kazakhstan — his second to the country in a single presidential term — trailing a delegation of more than 30 senior officials and business figures.
CENTRAL ASIA BLOG: Water “insecurities” are rumbling under the surface of regional diplomacy
Kyrgyzstan wants more infrastructure maintenance funds. Afghanistan is preparing to divert river flows for irrigation. Disagreements could mount.
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Terrorist attacks in Russia thwarted by joint work with Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, says FSB director
Warns Afghanistan-based ISKP actively recruiting individuals across Central Asia and migrant workers in Russian locations.
The return of the Silk Road as the “C6”, a key geopolitical link between Europe and Asia
There is a map that used to hang in the offices of Soviet central planners in Moscow, showing the five republics of Central Asia as a single administrative unit with all roads pointing to Moscow. Today the arrows point in all directions at once.
Kazakh special economic zone court rules in favour of Ukraine over Russia
Ruling in Naftogaz versus Gazprom case sends reassuring signal to potential foreign investors.
Russia irked by US, EU moves to secure Central Asia critical minerals
Kremlin official talks of “attempt to push Russia out and create a Western-controlled infrastructure in the immediate vicinity of our borders".
Kazakhstan’s railway company to start its own Caspian fleet to boost Middle Corridor
China-Central Asia Monitor: April 30 - May 7, 2026.
Why Afghanistan dreams of opening up Wakhan Corridor, the mountain valley that connects three worlds
Likely once trodden by Alexander the Great and Marco Polo, its potential is fascinating.
Astana finally has its light rail metro system
Corruption, cost overruns and fires dogged the project for much of the 20 years it took to construct. Chinese-built automated service is driverless.
Kazakhstan rejects idea of Turkic states military alliance
Tokayev reins in any such ambitions at OTS summit attended by Turkey’s Erdogan. At same time, wants to turn Kazakh armed forces into “high-tech fist”.
Stressed dog or happy dog? Social media divided by parachute jump of Kazakh special forces canine Arisha
The Belgian Malinois thrives in active service conditions, defence officials say in response to backlash.
Central Asia lagging in AI diffusion – report
Adoption rates, however, are among highest in Asia.
Central Asian states adapt to irreversible Aral Sea disaster, official says
IFAS chairman says efforts to restore the sea must move on to tackling environmental, agriculture and health care fallout.
Return of large grazers to curb steppe fires and restore ecosystems in Kazakhstan
Reintroduction of saiga antelopes had broader implications for the overall health of the steppe ecosystem.
Kazakhstan told to brace for irrigation water shortages
Minister points to reduced river flows from upstream Kyrgyzstan and lower stored volumes in reservoirs.
PANNIER: New political party gets nod in Kazakhstan. It’s pro-presidential. No surprises there
Only genuine opposition party in country has been trying to register since 2022. The other opposition party appears to be an illusion.
Kazakhstan services sector returns to growth in April, PMI shows
Cost inflation close to January’s inflation-related peak.
New report documents how Central Asian states abet Russian sanctions-busting
Georgia is Russia’s primary route in Caucasus.