Space
Russia launches new Soyuz-5 rocket from Baikonur in first test flight
On Thursday, April 30, at 23:00 local time (Astana), the Baikonur Cosmodrome witnessed the first test launch of the Soyuz-5/Sunkar vehicle. The rocket lifted off from Site 45 as part of flight development tests, according to Kazakhstan’s Ministry of AI and Digital Development.
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Earth News
Central Asia bets on ‘ecological solidarity’ as water crisis deepens
Beyond political signalling, the Regional Ecological Summit in Astana delivered tangible commitments. A total of 17 agreements worth over $2.3 billion were signed at RES 2026, with the bulk of investments channelled into renewable energy, waste management, and industrial decarbonisation.
Uzbekistan
Tashkent and Astana deepen strategic ties during Bukhara talks
High-level talks in the Uzbek ancient city of Bukhara aimed to double trade to $10 billion. Presidents of the two countries focused on transport, energy, digitalisation and environmental initiatives, while joint projects and regional cooperation continue to expand.
Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan confirms suspension of oil transit to Germany via Russia
Kazakhstan’s energy minister announced Wednesday there would be no transit of its oil to Germany through Russia throughout May due to Russian technical constraints, assuming it is “related to recent strikes on Russian infrastructure".
Culture news
The Royal Danish Theatre makes its debut in Astana
Astana has hosted, for the first time, the Royal Danish Theatre, one of the world’s oldest and most respected performing arts institutions. The Kazakhstan capital is increasingly positioning itself as a place where European and Asian artistic traditions meet and interact.
Voices from Central Asia
Meet the man behind the end of nuclear testing
In partnership with MDQ
Olzhas Suleimenov, a Soviet and Kazakh writer and public figure, has left a lasting legacy at the intersection of literature and activism. Rising to global prominence as the leader of the Nevada-Semipalatinsk movement, he played a key role in the closure of the world’s first nuclear test site.
Kazakhstan
China cements leadership position in trade with Central Asia
China's trade with five Central Asian countries hit a record in 2025 — and the relationship has moved well beyond buying and selling. Chinese companies are now partners in strategic projects across high-tech industries including energy and mining.
