Russian Assets Reportedly Seized at Baikonur Cosmodrome by Kazakh Authorities

Original source: https://kz24.news/news/ekonomika/arest-rossiyskogo-imuschest...

Source on the Russian side: https://www.moscowtimes.ru/2023/03/13/kazahstan-arestoval-im...

This apparently is a building/warehouse valued under $30 million that was under construction and never completed, never paid for. It is inside the boundary line of the cosmodrome which makes it notable, but this does not impact space operations for Russia directly.

However it's not like they just seized a Soyuz rocket or crates of rocket engines, or even a train load of rocket fuel and they're holding it in lieu of payment now.

Kazakhstan in recent days has been on record saying that they intend to take small steps towards further independence from Russia.

Auto translation of the original source:

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The Bailiffs' Service of the Republic of Kazakhstan informs that the property of TsENKI (Center for the Operation of Ground-based Space Infrastructure), located in Kazakhstan, has been seized. The company, which is a subsidiary of the state-owned Roscosmos, is prohibited from withdrawing material assets and assets from Kazakhstan. The travel ban has also been extended to the head of the unit - he cannot leave Kazakhstan until the end of investigative actions.

The ban on the use of resources and financial transactions, as well as the instability of negotiating positions in general, slows down the priority area of work at Baikonur — the construction of a new launch pad for the Soyuz-5 rocket. Such a kind of "weightlessness" can turn into a financial "black hole" — 62 billion rubles were spent on the rocket, which may not fly anywhere due to the lack of a launch pad. The joint project "Baiterek" can also, apparently, put an end to, as well as to the whole idea of replacing the Ukrainian "Zenit" with its own development.

The main reason for such actions, many call "incorrect behavior" and harsh statements of the new head of Roscosmos, Yuri Borisov. Back in 2022, when it came to postponing the construction period for six months, he criticized a lot of delays in launching the launch pad, in particular, the Minister of Communications of the Republic of Kazakhstan Bagdat Musin, who is engaged in space in Kazakhstan.

Bagdat Musin, for his part, calls Yuri Borisov's criticism a "diplomatic miscalculation." Our sources explained that Mr. Musin uses the situation for his own PR. It is obvious that he has quite good skills of "undercover diplomacy". This is evidenced by his rapid growth on the career ladder, as well as a tendency to excessive theatrical attacks. Our people love politicians who show Russia their independence, and Musin is happy to play the independence card for the public once again.

Despite the fact that cooperation in the field of space is beneficial for both countries, it is not clear why Bagdat Batyrbekovich is trying to drive a wedge between Tokayev and Putin. Moreover, he uses various methods to denigrate Yuri Borisov. Sources of kz4. news express concerns that the actions of our minister may really lead to disagreements, which will primarily affect our economy and the development of the research base.

The actions of officials can turn into a serious blow to the entire bilateral space and research program. There is still no substitute for Baikonur, which has a unique geographical location. Maybe officials should calm down their personal ambitions in such a turbulent time, or go to the aggravation of the conflict. Please write in the comments what you think about this issue.