Russians expelled from Kazakhstan: when a new home becomes unsafe
Since the start of the war, many Russians fleeing criminal prosecution had to choose among three countries — Armenia, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan — accessible with an internal passport. However, after abductions of activists began in Kyrgyzstan, the options effectively shrank to two, and now Kazakhstan’s status as a refuge is also in doubt.
According to journalist Amalia Zatari, the situation is becoming more complicated: Kazakhstan is starting to extradite fleeing Russians back to Russia, making the country a dangerous shelter for those escaping persecution. This forces people to look for new safe havens, but options are limited.
Previously, Kyrgyzstan served as a safe refuge for those avoiding persecution, but the abductions of activists have increased the sense of threat. Armenia remains one of the few available options, although it is not without risks and restrictions.
Conflicts and repression push many to seek stability in neighbouring countries, but increasingly strict policies across Central Asian states complicate this task. Kazakhstan, as a major regional power, was once considered relatively open, but now raises security concerns for Russians residing there.
Thus, the situation is growing more difficult for Russian refugees in the region, potentially triggering further migration and searches for safe places to live.
The coming months will show whether these countries can maintain their status as refuges or transform into zones of heightened political tension.
