Kazakhstan protests: Ukraine issues statement on deployment of CSTO troops

That’s according to a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine on Monday, January 10, Ukrinform reports.

The Foreign Ministry condemns the violence that has erupted in a number of Kazakh cities and resulted in numerous casualties. The diplomats also expressed condolences over the death of Kazakhs, with whom Ukrainians have long-standing ties of friendship and mutual respect.

"At this critical time, it is extremely important for the people of Kazakhstan to take ultimate measures to de-escalate and avoid further violence, guarantee respect for human rights, and ensure that critical infrastructure and communication systems are restored," the statement says.

The Foreign Ministry noted that they had taken note of the deployment in Kazakhstan, at the invitation of the Kazakh authorities, of foreign military forces, dominated by the Russian contingent.

"Foreign troops must respect the independence, sovereignty, and national legislation of Kazakhstan and international law, while their stay must not go beyond the declared limited period," the statement reads.

The Foreign Ministry also stressed it would continue to protect the interests of Ukrainians in Kazakhstan, in particular to assist them in returning home. "We maintain special control over the situation of our citizens in Almaty," the ministry said.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, rallies against the sharp rise in gas prices kicked off in Kazakhstan’s Zhanaozen (a city in the Mangistau region in the country’s west) on January 2. They escalated into mass protests, despite government resignation and a decision to roll back prices.

Authorities have called on the Collective Security Treaty Organization to help quell the protests. The CSTO has officially confirmed the deployment of a Russian military contingent and their allies in Kazakhstan.

At least 30 have been killed in Kazakhstan's largest city, Almaty, where mass protests are ongoing.

Deputy Health Minister Ajar Giniyat said more than 1,000 had been injured and about 400 – hospitalized.

A state of emergency has been declared throughout the country.

On January 7, Kazakh President Kasim-Zhomart Tokayev ordered that the military open fire at rioters without notice.

On January 9, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Kazakhstan said 7,939 persons had been detained.

January 10 has been declared a Day of Mourning.

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