"War with Russia?": Kazakhstan's Ministry of Defense clarified the rumors

In recent days, some foreign media outlets have reported that Kazakhstan is deploying its military forces to border areas with Russia and preparing for the possibility of conflict. The Ministry of Defense of Kazakhstan officially responded to these reports, as stated by "Stopfake.kz".

Some publications, particularly RTVI and the "Charter 97%" portal, circulated news that Kazakhstan had begun to deploy a large group of territorial defense brigades in border areas with Russia, claiming that this action was allegedly related to the possibility of conflict between the two countries.

^{Circulated reports}
The Ministry of Defense of Kazakhstan emphasized that the draft law currently being developed on "Territorial Defense" aims to strengthen the country's internal security. This law aims to adapt the national security system to modern requirements and to protect the population, critical infrastructure facilities, and the territorial integrity of the state in any emergency situation.

The ministry noted that the process of forming territorial defense forces is being carried out not in response to external threats, but based on the logistics, demographics, and geographical characteristics of the country's territories.

The Ministry of Defense of Kazakhstan specifically emphasized that the developed draft law is not directed against any state and that interpreting it as a military threat is incorrect.

Additionally, on April 24, Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev reaffirmed at a meeting of the country's Security Council that the Russian Federation is Kazakhstan's closest strategic partner and reliable ally. The head of state also stressed the need for decisive action against any plots and provocations aimed at undermining interethnic harmony in the country.

"Russia remains Kazakhstan's main strategic partner and reliable ally. Any provocation aimed at undermining interethnic harmony will be met with firm measures."

This statement demonstrates that the official Nur-Sultan will not allow any misinterpretations.

The territorial defense system is a necessary guarantee of internal security for any country. Interpreting it as an external war is a misunderstanding or simply manipulation. Kazakh officials have made an open and clear statement regarding the situation — there is no preparation against any country, and the main goal is internal stability.

It should be noted that the friendly and allied relations between Kazakhstan and Russia have a long history. The two countries have been closely cooperating within international structures such as the Eurasian Economic Union, the CIS, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.