Russia: The West is Trying to "Drive a Wedge" Between Us and Kazakhstan

According to the Russian news agency TASS, the Russian Security Council accused the West on Friday of trying to sow discord between Moscow and Kazakhstan by interfering in the affairs of sovereign nations. The statements from the Security Council came on the same day that its Secretary Nikolai Patrushev is visiting Kazakhstan to meet with his counterparts in the Central Asia region, as stated by TASS. TASS reported Deputy Patrushev, Alexander Shevtsov, saying that "the United States and its allies are trying to support nationalist sentiments, spread lies, and manipulate public opinion, including through online and social networks." Kazakhstan, a wealthy oil nation and long-standing ally of Russia with close economic ties, has refused to support Moscow's invasion of Ukraine and stated that it will comply with the Western sanctions imposed on it.