The European Union called on Russia on Thursday (January 6) to respect Kazakhstan's sovereignty and independence as the country sent in paratroopers to quell an uprising after deadly violence spread across the former Soviet republic.
"We continue to follow the situation in Kazakhstan very closely and particularly the difficult situation in Almaty," European Commission spokeswoman Nabila Massrali told reporters during a news briefing.
"We condemn acts of violence, acts of vandalism, and looting which have taken place in Almaty and we regret any loss of life. The violence must stop," she added.
The European Commission, the EU's executive, also urged restraint on all sides.
REUTERS