13 Kazakhstanis preparing for release from combat zone in Ukraine

Thirteen Kazakhstani men, whose families had campaigned for their return from the combat zone in Ukraine, are preparing to be sent home, according to lawyer Meirman Shekeyev. He said there is currently nothing preventing the men from returning, and the priority now is to ensure them a safe route home.

On behalf of the parents, Shekeyev thanked President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Foreign Ministry staff and other state bodies for their help. In a statement relayed by the lawyer, the parents said their main wish is for their children to return safely home and reunite with their relatives.

The families had turned to diplomats in early October, travelling to Astana. According to them, the men went to Russia to work at security agencies, but were allegedly asked to sign documents on contract military service under the guise of work contracts, after which they ended up at war. The Kazakh Foreign Ministry has confirmed it is negotiating with the Russian side over their return.