How Many Peacekeepers Have Departed for Kazakhstan, When Will They Return? Zas Provides Details

What will the CSTO peacekeepers' operations be like in Kazakhstan? The organization’s Secretary General Stanislav Zas discussed this in an interview with RIA Novosti. He particularly noted that the duration of the peacekeepers' presence will depend on the situation and the decisions of the republic's leadership.

The CSTO is expecting that the forces in Kazakhstan will not remain for long—just a few days or weeks. After the operation concludes, all CSTO troops will be withdrawn.

The deployment of CSTO peacekeepers in Kazakh cities will depend on where they are needed. A total of 2,500 personnel will be sent to Kazakhstan, and the forces may be reinforced if necessary. The peacekeepers have the right to use weapons in case of attacks by armed groups.

A candidate for the commander of the peacekeeping forces has already been identified, but the decision has not yet been officially confirmed.