Putin blames long queues at Kazakhstan–Russia border on crackdown against “black imports”

Tengrinews.kz – Russian President Vladimir Putin has commented on the kilometres-long traffic jams at the Kazakhstan–Russia border, saying the delays stem from intensified efforts to combat illegal imports.

Speaking to reporters after his visit to Kyrgyzstan, Putin said he had instructed customs authorities to launch selective inspections on highways. According to him, these checks fully fall within the powers of customs services under the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).

“As soon as the inspections began, it turned out that many trucks had no documents at all. Black imports — excuse my language — are simply pouring into our customs territory,” Putin told journalists.

Earlier, Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Transport reported that the long queues were caused by Russia tightening its border procedures. According to the ministry, Russian authorities have increased cargo checks, extended inspection times and introduced additional verification of documents, as well as sanitary and phytosanitary requirements.

The comments followed the Collective Security Council meeting of the CSTO held in Bishkek on 27 November, attended by Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Kyrgyzstan’s President Sadyr Japarov, Belarus’ President Alexander Lukashenko, Russia’s President Vladimir Putin and Tajikistan’s President Emomali Rahmon.