Russia has launched threats towards Kazakhstan after the authorities in Astana announced their intention to produce ammunition according to NATO standards.

The reactions from Moscow are severe, with Russian officials labeling the decision as a hostile act and a serious deviation from the traditional relations between the two countries. Alexei Zhuravlev, first deputy chairman of the Defense Committee in the State Duma, emphasized that this orientation raises questions about NATO's interest in Kazakhstan, suggesting that the country could become a Russophobic outpost. Zhuravlev highlighted a constant distancing of Kazakhstan from Moscow, mentioning the abandonment of the Russian language and the Cyrillic alphabet, as well as support for Ukraine. In contrast, Kazakh authorities justify the decision by the need to ensure their security and military autonomy, considering their dependence on Soviet weaponry and supplies from Russia. Kazakhstan has launched the national ASPAN project, which aims to build industrial units for ammunition production, including those compatible with NATO standards, with an estimated investment of one billion dollars. The first factory is expected to be operational by 2027. This decision could intensify tensions between the two states in the future.