Russian paratroopers arrive in Kazakhstan following fuel-price protests.Valery Sharifulin\TASS via Getty Images (L), Russian Defence Ministry\TASS via Getty Images (R)
- Dozens have been killed in Kazakhstan during protests against skyrocketing fuel prices.
- Kazakhstan's president ordered security forces to "shoot to kill without warning."
In the past week, the Central Asian country of Kazakhstan has been gripped by widespread protests and violent unrest over skyrocketing fuel prices.
What began as protests about fuel prices on Sunday have evolved into an uprising against the oil-rich nation's authoritarian regime, corruption, and inequality.
A violent crackdown has led to dozens of protesters being killed, and neighboring Russia has sent paratroopers to help quell the violence as part of a Moscow-led security alliance. On Friday, Russian units assisted Kazakh forces in retaking the airport from protesters, the BBC reported.
Addressing reporters at a State Department briefing, US secretary of state Antony Blinken warned the Kazakhstan regime about expanding Russian influence after inviting in troops to help it restore control.
"One lesson in recent history is that once Russians are in your house, it's sometimes very difficult to get them to leave," Blinken said.