Kazakhstan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the drone attacks on July 17 and 19 in the Black Sea on civilian vessels transporting oil through the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC), Kazpravda.kz reported.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that it views the incident as a threat to the country's economic interests, the stability of international trade, and the security of global energy chains.
Kazakhstan demanded that measures be taken to prevent similar incidents and ensure the protection of export infrastructure. The ministry emphasized the need to respect international law, freedom of navigation, and the peaceful resolution of conflicts, without specifying the addressee of its appeal.
The situation surrounding the CPC once again highlighted the vulnerability of energy and transport routes amid rising international tensions. For Kazakhstan, one of the largest oil producers in the region, the stability of export routes is of strategic importance.
Astana views attacks on civilian trade facilities not only as an economic challenge but also as a factor that could impact regional security.
This is not the first drone attack. In the spring of 2026, a similar strike on an oil loading port forced the CPC to be shut down for several months while the damaged infrastructure was repaired.
Kazakhstan's foreign policy has traditionally been based on the principles of multi-vector policy, diplomatic balance, and developing partnerships with various centers of power. Despite the absence of a specific addressee in the Kazakh Foreign Ministry's address, it was clearly addressed to one of the parties to the conflict in Ukraine.
Amid the global confrontation between major powers, Astana strives to maintain an independent foreign policy, advocating for dialogue, international law, and the inadmissibility of using economic infrastructure as a tool of pressure.
At the same time, Kazakhstan is strengthening ties with Russia, China, the European Union, Central Asian countries, and international organizations, seeking to diversify trade and energy routes.
The current situation surrounding the CPC demonstrates that protecting national interests, diplomatic mechanisms for resolution, and ensuring the stability of critical transport corridors are of particular importance to the country.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
July 20, 2026