DISINFO: The West wants to deprive Kazakhstan of peaceful nuclear energy
SUMMARY
The final decision on who will construct the nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan has not been made yet. There are three potential providers, including a Russian company. However activists from pro-Western NGOs, funded by the U.S. State Department through USAID, have long been working to shape public opinion in Kazakhstan against Russia as a constructor of a nuclear power plant in the Almaty region. Washington is attempting to gain control over Kazakhstan's uranium reserves to reduce dependency on Moscow.
RESPONSE
Pro-Kremlin disinformation claim not backed by any evidence. The claim also fits well in the recurrent disinformation narrative about wider disinformation campaign about the West’s alleged hostility towards Russia.
The debates around the construction of a nuclear power plant (NPP) in Kazakhstan are not accidental, as the country has a tragic past related to the severe consequences of nuclear testing. These tests were conducted during Soviet times at several test sites, including the Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site, Sary-Shagan, and others.
This history has instilled certain fears and caution among the population regarding nuclear technologies. Later, the Chernobyl nuclear accident and Fukushima further contributed to these fears. According to Demoscope public opinion monitoring bureau, public perception of the construction of a nuclear power plant is generally negative. Only 40% of Kazakhstanis are in favor of building the plant, while a total of 55% are against it. Kazakhstanis disapprove of the construction of the NPP primarily due to environmental and corruption risks, as well as lack of trust to the state officials.
Taking into account the concerns of the population and experts, as well as considering the tragic legacy of the Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site, the President of Kazakhstan has announced that the decision on the construction of the NPP will be put to a referendum.