Why is Vladimir Kim in a hurry to sell Bank RBK? What is the reason that writers are no longer considered the "cream of society"? Who is using the opinion of poet Mukhtar Shakhanov in support of the new Constitution? What are the consequences of the "imposition" of the Kazakh language and what awaits Kazakhstan with the rising oil prices? Answers to these questions can be found in the new review of Kazakh-language media by Nazira Darimbet.
"One should not impose one's language on others!"
Deputy Ermurad Bapi urged Kazakhstani citizens to refrain from imposing their demands regarding the Kazakh language, as reported by Stan.kz.
"Constructive criticism should not be limited. We must value the opportunity for criticism as an important social value. These values have allowed a society that has long been oppressed to finally express itself freely," Bapi noted at a Majilis meeting.
He also reminded of the saying "all troubles come from language," calling for caution.
"In our changing geopolitical environment, we must beware of this 'trouble.' We should not depend on the opinions of other countries and live in fear. We need to move towards independence through diplomacy and balanced decisions. Everyone who understands the politics of the new Constitution should realize that it is aimed at strengthening independence and security," the deputy added.
Shakhanov: "I did not say that"
Poet Mukhtar Shakhanov denied information in his video address that he opposed the new Constitution, as reported by SkifNews.kz.
"False information is being spread in my name. Do not believe it. I fully support the new Constitution and the policy of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev," the poet stated in a video posted by journalist Arman Aubakirov on Facebook.
Earlier, a post appeared on social media where Shakhanov allegedly expressed his readiness to die for the state language. This post attracted attention, gathering 4,000 likes and over 500 comments.
It later turned out that the page from which the post was made was fake. After that, Shakhanov recorded a video address to clarify the situation.
…Information Minister Aida Balayeva also commented on this, calling for an end to the use of respected individuals in political games. However, authorities often use such people for their own interests, as many have noted.
Poets are not the "cream" of society
Activist and economist Sabit Rysbaev criticized the significance of poets and writers in modern society, as reported by Democrat.kz.
In his opinion, it is necessary to stop highlighting them and calling them the "cream of the nation."
"It is necessary to stop publishing unnecessary books at the expense of the budget. People should seek and read them on their own. They should not be excessively elevated. Our poets would not survive outside the country, for example, in America," the activist believes.
He emphasized that all professions deserve respect.
"Doctors work for nine years saving lives, while oil workers and businessmen create jobs and pay taxes. Miners perform dangerous work. Why should poets be above everyone else? Our fate does not depend on them," Rysbaev concluded.
His opinion found support among users, with the post gathering about 500 likes and over 100 comments.
…Criticism of Kazakhstani poets and writers from activists is not new and, apparently, justified. We have a market, and why should some receive funding from the budget while others do not?
The impact of the situation in the Strait of Hormuz on Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan is beginning to monitor the movements of military boats in the Persian Gulf, reports the DALA INSIDE channel.
Major traders and hedge funds are tracking tanker routes, insurance rates, and maritime patrol schedules in this region.
"The reason is the potential escalation of conflict between the US and Iran, which could lead to oil prices rising to $120 per barrel. Closed consultations on oil reserves have taken place in international markets, which may prompt investors to buy futures en masse," the source reported.
The main threat lies not in the closure of the strait, but in a sharp increase in insurance rates, changes in tanker routes, and delays in deliveries. This scenario could push Brent prices to $120 per barrel.
Iran is certainly aware of this strategy. Its goal is not to close the strait but to demonstrate that it is possible. Leaders of Arab countries in the region also understand that oil in their storage without the Strait of Hormuz becomes a "paper" asset.
What does this mean for Kazakhstan? Export revenues will increase, the budget will receive financial support, and more dollars will flow into the National Fund. However, this will also lead to global inflation growth. Expensive oil will result in higher fuel prices and increased import costs.
…Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz affect prices in our stores and public sentiment. Therefore, Astana is closely monitoring events in Muscat.
Reasons for Kim's sale of Bank RBK
The Freedom Group, seeking to expand its business, considers Bank RBK a suitable acquisition target, reports Nege.kz.
The owner of Bank RBK, oligarch Vladimir Kim, has expressed his readiness to consider the urgent sale of the bank in Kazakhstan's business circles.
"He has already sold the Kazakhmys group, and Bank RBK served the financial operations of the company. There is now no need to keep a separate bank in the country, as Kim's international assets - the KazMinerals group - manage the main accounts abroad," the source reported.
According to unaudited financial statements, in 2025, RBK recorded a net profit of 64 billion tenge. By the beginning of 2026, the bank's assets amounted to 2.7 trillion tenge, liabilities - 2.47 trillion tenge, and capital - 245 billion.
The bank's value is expected to be around 300 billion tenge. Although Kim is unlikely to agree to sell a profitable asset at a low price, there are factors that may accelerate the process, and he might "give it away for whatever is asked."
Does Timur Turlov have the means for such a purchase?
At the end of 2025, the capital of the Freedom Holding group was $1.2 billion. Additionally, Turlov may attract partners to form a syndicated pool. He previously stated his intention to buy a bank with assets of about 2.5 trillion tenge, and currently, only the Eurasian Bank and Bank RBK are suitable.
At the same time, Shukhrat Ibrahimov, the manager of the Eurasian Bank, claimed that the bank is not for sale and has a debt to the state of 120 billion tenge.
…If the deal occurs this year, Freedom's assets will significantly increase, and the group's positions in the banking ranking will strengthen. This will also contribute to the further development of the trend of larger players acquiring medium-sized banks.
