From VOA Russian: Astana welcomes Putin, but its oil exports set to bypass Russia 

FILE - The Tengiz oil refinery is pictured in Kazakhstan.

Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Kazakhstan on Wednesday to discuss strengthening energy and industrial ties. Ahead of his visit, Astana announced plans to reduce oil exports via Russia by more than 80% and enhance protection of key infrastructure. Many experts view this as a response to the Kremlin’s recent hypersonic missile strike on Ukraine.