Since the start of the Ukraine campaign, most former Soviet republics have tried to distance themselves from Russia without angering Moscow. An almost impossible balancing act.
Of
Silke Bigalke, Moscow
It was not an easy mission that led Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to Russia in June. The Kazakh President had to keep Vladimir Putin company during the economic forum in Saint Petersburg. He spent almost four hours on a stage with the Kremlin boss – and that at a time when the heads of state of most other former Soviet republics are noticeably keeping their distance. Tokayev sat stiffly in his chair while Putin unfolded his vision of a new world order.