Day 25
Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan has traditionally been one of Russia’s closest allies, but Kazakhstan has not supported Russia’s war in Ukraine, choosing instead to support Western sanctions, and send aid to Ukraine. 80 percent of Kazakhstan’s oil normally is exported via pipelines that Russia controls and has prevented Kazakhstan from using in recent months. However, Kazakhstan has found a possible alternative using an Azerbaijan operated pipeline instead. Former Russian president, Dmitry Medvedev, made a social media post suggesting northern Kazakhstan could be invaded next, but it was quickly withdrawn. Pray protection over the Central Asian nations and ask God to give them wisdom and courage to stand up to Russia. May this be a new beginning in a season of even greater autonomy for these nations. Pray for an openness to the Gospel (The Bible, Proverbs 25:25).
Source: Kazakhstan to start oil sales via Azeri pipeline to bypass Russia (Reuters) and After Ukraine, Is Kazakhstan Next in the Kremlin’s Sights? (Carnegie)
A large country the size of Western Europe, Kazakhstan is the world’s leading uranium producer and the economic leader of Central Asia. Soviet-era nuclear testing and toxic waste dumping plague the nation as well as elevating drug addiction levels and HIV/Aids rates. Islam had a resurgence after the Soviet era, but more legal restrictions are being imposed on all religious groups. Unregistered Protestant churches and their Believers suffer the most persecution. Political instability and infighting between the ruling party and opposition groups have been the mark of the last two years.
