Putin's controversial Kazakhstan visit: Mixed receptions evident
Politicians from certain countries do not adhere to the principle of isolating Vladimir Putin, inviting the Russian leader to visit them. However, he is not always warmly welcomed by the public. This was evidenced in Kazakhstan, where the dictator encountered a Ukrainian flag projected onto the opera building.
Vladimir Putin made his second visit to Kazakhstan this year to strengthen relations between the two nations. As reported by Belsat, Putin highlighted numerous collaborative initiatives, particularly in nuclear energy, which he claimed support efforts to enhance technological sovereignty.
Fears may drive Putin's invitation. Media in Kazakhstan suggest that the government in Astana is afraid of potential American attacks on Russian bases on Kazakh territory. Furthermore, the authorities in Astana want to showcase that a "Ukrainian scenario" is not possible in their country.
Alerted by the escalation, Astana will host Putin on 27 November with particular grandeur, as he is on a state visit, the highest level, which traditionally includes a protocol ceremony. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev will await him at the aircraft ramp; a guard of honour should be formed in the guest's honour, according to journalists from the independent portal Azattyk.
This is how Putin was welcomed in Kazakhstan
In honour of Vladimir Putin, Russian flags were displayed in various parts of Astana. Belsat reports that a banner with "Your Excellency, Mr Vladimir Putin, welcome." also appeared.
Not everyone is as pleased about the Russian dictator's visit. The Astana Opera authorities acted differently. The Ukrainian flag was projected onto the building. The incident did not go unnoticed by Russian propaganda.
Blogger and former Ukrainian Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Anton Herashchenko reports that "He was greeted with a huge Ukrainian flag on a large screen on a building. Russian media said it was a hacker attack.".
