Aslan Bzhania, the de facto president of occupied Abkhazia, says the current events in Kazakhstan have escalated into violence and that what is happening in the country is seriously damaging the lives of citizens. Aslan Bzhania says he welcomes the Kazakh authorities' efforts to restore order, aimed at ensuring the security of the civilian population and the protection of vital infrastructure facilities.

"We consider unacceptable the practice of illegal foreign interference in the internal affairs of sovereign states, aimed at destabilizing the socio-political situation and subsequent seizure of power by external controlled groups. We wish the people of Kazakhstan a speedy restoration of the rule of law, peace and prosperity," he said.

For the record, the Kazakh authorities on January 4 announced a significant increase in the price of liquefied natural gas, which was followed by protests in the country. Kazakh President Tokayev has signed a decision to dismiss the government following a series of large-scale demonstrations. Despite this, the protests in the country have not stopped.