Russia signs contract to build Kazakhstan's first nuclear power plant

Rosatom has signed a contract to build Kazakhstan's first nuclear power plant at Balkhash, featuring two VVER reactors with a combined 2.4 GW capacity. This deepens Russian influence in Central Asian energy infrastructure, a strategic shift for Kazakhstan which has historically relied on Russian fuel imports. The deal proceeds despite Western sanctions on Russian nuclear exports, underscoring Moscow's continued foothold in the region's energy sector.