In May, the government cut its forecast for gross domestic product (GDP) growth to 4.1 percent from 4.6 percent in 2021 and to 3.8 percent from 4.3 percent in 2022.

Germany and the United States, during Merkel’s final visit as Chancellor to Washington, concentrated their efforts not on whether the pipeline should be completed but rather on how Ukraine might be compensated if it loses its status as a transit country for Russian gas.

Kazakhstan’s focus on improving investor dispute resolution and prevention mechanisms has been an essential element of this success. A great deal has been done in recent years. Many countries around the world, especially those that have passed through similar transitions from other non-capitalist economic systems in their recent history, can draw useful lessons from Kazakhstan’s experience.

Recent street violence has dealt another blow to its image. Longtime allies in the EU are dismayed and the USA is considering sanctions against those promoting violence against perceived foes

Ukrainian troops have battled Russian-backed separatist forces in the east in a conflict Kyiv estimates has killed 14,000 people since 2014.

The 57-year-old former banker was arrested in June 2020, as was his 31-year-old son who was rounded up on tax evasion charges.