Kazakhstan sends note to Russia over citizens forced to sign military contracts

September 28, 2026 at 09:49 PM2 min

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Kazakhstan's embassy in Moscow sent a note to Russia's Foreign Ministry on September 18 requesting help returning Kazakh citizens allegedly forced to sign military contracts. The move follows reports that a Kazakh man from Astana was recruited while working in Russia and pressured to join the Russian army. Kazakhstan's criminal code punishes mercenary activity with up to life imprisonment.

Key Facts

Kazakhstan's embassy in Moscow sent a note to Russia's Foreign Ministry on September 18, 2026, requesting assistance in returning Kazakh citizens who need help coming home.
Miras Taszhargанов from Astana told consular officials on September 17 that he and several other Kazakh citizens are in a difficult situation and need help returning to Kazakhstan.
The 'Khochu Zhit' project reported in April that nearly 13,000 Central Asian citizens have fought or are fighting in Russia's war against Ukraine, including 2,389 Kazakh citizens.
Kazakhstan's criminal code prescribes 5 to 9 years in prison for participation in combat abroad without mercenary characteristics, and 7 years to life imprisonment for mercenary activity, with loss of citizenship and property confiscation.

Diplomatic Note

On September 17, consular staff at Kazakhstan's embassy contacted Gulzhan Taszhargаnova and her son Miras, confirming the information she had provided. Miras told them he was in a difficult situation and that several other Kazakh citizens with him also need help returning home. The next day, September 18, 2026, the embassy sent a note to Russia's Foreign Ministry requesting assistance in returning these citizens to Kazakhstan.

Recruitment Allegations

Miras Taszhargаnov from Astana traveled to Russia for rotational work but was recruited, according to his mother. She says her son was forced to sign a contract with Russia's Defense Ministry, and she asked Kazakh authorities to help bring him home, fearing he could be sent to the front in Ukraine. In April, the 'Khochu Zhit' project reported that almost 13,000 Central Asian citizens have taken part in Russia's war against Ukraine, including 2,389 Kazakh citizens.

Legal Consequences

Kazakhstan imposes criminal liability for mercenary activity. Participation in combat on the territory of another country without signs of mercenarism carries 5 to 9 years in prison. Mercenary activity carries 7 years to life imprisonment, with loss of citizenship and confiscation of property.