"EU special envoy on Kazakhstan's stance regarding anti-Russian sanctions: 'We are not asking to change the policy.'"

David O'Sullivan explained that companies in third countries are identified as being actively involved in the illegal trade of sanctioned goods, meaning they unlawfully sell sanctioned items to Russia.

"When such companies are identified, we promptly add them to the list. This also means that European companies will not be able to do business with these firms in third countries. We are identifying them worldwide - many companies, for instance, in Iran, China, India, and other nations.

"Kazakhstani companies have also been identified during such checks. However, it is important to emphasize that they are included in the list solely because they were involved in illegal trade and facilitated it. We had evidence that they were supporting the Russian military-industrial complex. This was done to ensure compliance with the sanctions we imposed," - he noted.

The speaker emphasized that two Kazakhstani companies were added to the sanctions list.

"Not only in Kazakhstan but globally, after Russia's full-scale invasion, there emerged shell companies with the sole purpose of circumventing sanctions. If companies were not active before the sanctions and the invasion, if they were not well-known, and only entered the market after the sanctions and invasion - this is an indicator that they may be involved in illegal trade. But that is not enough.

"We conduct a detailed analysis of the company, checking its trading relationships. We investigate the goods it traded prior. In other words, a systematic analysis is conducted. And, of course, we prefer to work with governments to find solutions at a systemic level, rather than just adding individual companies to the list. But when there is no other option - we add," - explained the special envoy.

In conclusion, David O'Sullivan reiterated the EU's position.

"I believe we have clearly expressed our stance by stating that we respect Kazakhstan's position and do not ask for a change in policy in this regard. All we want is for the territory of Kazakhstan, the jurisdiction of Kazakhstan, not to be used to circumvent sanctions, for illegal trade of sanctioned goods, especially those with military purposes. And that is the only thing we are asking our partners worldwide - to prevent the trade of such goods that are under our sanctions," - emphasized David O'Sullivan.

Prior to this, EU envoy David O'Sullivan discussed the risks of circumventing anti-Russian sanctions through Kazakhstan during a briefing in Astana.

Last summer, the EU's special envoy for sanctions, David O'Sullivan, spoke about the risks that exist for Kazakhstan amid anti-Russian sanctions.

In February of last year, the EU imposed sanctions against the Kazakhstani company LLP "Elem group." In April of last year, during his visit to Astana, David O'Sullivan stated that the European Union does not plan to impose sanctions on third countries, including Kazakhstan. At the end of November, he noted that the West respects our country's position of not joining the imposition of restrictions.

Last autumn, it became known that several Kazakhstani companies were included in the sanctions list of the United Kingdom. According to the British government, the companies under sanctions are involved in supplying machines, microelectronics, components for drones, ball bearings, and other goods for the Russian defense industry.

Previously, the U.S. Department of the Treasury stated that a Kazakhstani company was assisting in the supply of technology and equipment to Russia's military sector.

In late August, the Kazakhstani company Catu Tech was added to the U.S. sanctions list for supplying cargo with microelectronics to Russia. Meanwhile, the Ministry of National Economy noted that the company could continue its operations, except for dealings with American counterparties.

We also reported that in August, Deputy Prime Minister Serik Zhumangarin, who currently also serves as Minister of National Economy, gave an interview to Bloomberg, stating that Kazakhstan "will not blindly follow sanctions" due to Russia when it concerns domestic companies.