Abstract
Russia’s war against Ukraine has also deepened the lines of social conflict in Kazakhstan. However, neither Ukraine’s supporters, nor those who support Moscow’s view of the war are homogeneous groups. Public debate about the war is forcing people to think about national identity. This has fostered a new sense of community, particularly among Ukraine’s supporters. The state is trying to contain social tension with threats of punishment. At the same time, it lends support to social initiatives whose goals include “harmony” and “stability”.