Russian-led peacekeeping forces arrive in Kazakhstan... US questions "legitimacy of deployment"

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] As political instability deepens in Kazakhstan, attention is focused on the future developments following the arrival of a Russian-led peacekeeping force in Kazakhstan. The U.S. government warned that it is doubtful whether Russia's military dispatch is a legitimate deployment and will closely monitor human rights violations and other actions.

According to Russia's TASS news agency on the 6th (local time), Russian airborne troops arrived in Kazakhstan as the first contingent of the peacekeeping force. Earlier, the Kazakhstani government requested deployment from the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), a security alliance between Russia and six former Soviet republics, and Russia was reported to have sent troops first.

The CSTO peacekeeping force is expected to be composed predominantly of Russian troops, with the total deployment estimated at around 2,500 personnel. The Russian government is reportedly rushing military intervention to protect the current Kazakhstani regime, including pro-Russian President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. President Tokayev also stated in a declaration immediately after the news of the Russian troop deployment, "We will defend the capital Nur-Sultan and will not leave."

The bloody protests in Kazakhstan are causing increasing casualties. According to CNN, 13 military and police personnel were killed during the suppression of the protests, two of whom were beheaded, and about 1,000 people were injured. The Kazakhstani government suspects that Islamic extremist forces infiltrated domestically are behind the terrorist acts.

The U.S. government appears to be restraining Russia's deployment to Kazakhstan for the time being. White House spokesperson Jen Psaki said at a press briefing that day, "There are doubts about whether Russia's deployment to Kazakhstan was carried out legally," and warned, "We will continue to monitor Kazakhstan's sovereignty and human rights violations."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.