Kazakhstan: topical issues of economic cooperation with Russia through the prism of multi-vectorality

The article examines current issues of economic cooperation between Russia and Kazakhstan taking into account the influence of the present-day geopolitical situation on its multi-vector foreign policy. Kazakhstan plays an important role in the Central Asian region, is a member of the EAEU and other organizations with the participation of Russia, an important trading partner of Russia in the post-Soviet space. Maintaining close ties and economic integration with Kazakhstan is of great strategic importance for the Russian economy. The article scrutinizes the transformation of Kazakhstan’s foreign economic strategy and presents the reasons for strengthening the multi-vector nature of Kazakhstan’s foreign policy. The change in cooperation between Russia and Kazakhstan in the context of increasing sanctions pressure on the Russian economy is analyzed. Kazakhstan’s role in reorienting Russia’s trade flows during 2022–2024, as well as changes in its foreign economic policy as external pressure from Western countries and threats of secondary sanctions increase are examined.