Kazakh Radio Host Who Threatened Facebook User About Possible Invasion By 'Uncle Putin' Fired

A Kazakhstan radio station fired one of its hosts Monday after she invoked the threat of "uncle Putin" during a heated Facebook exchange and suggested a possible invasion.

The radio station Europa Plus fired its host, Lubov Panova after she brought up the name of Russian President Vladimir Putin in a threatening manner.

"We call in Uncle Vova if you talk too much," read Panova's comment that cost her the job, Reuters reported. Putin is often fondly called "Vova" by his admirers.

The radio station also refused to take responsibility for the comment, Fresh Google News reported.

Kazakhstan is home to a large number of Russian people since it shares most of its borders with the nation. The country is considered to be one of the closest allies of Moscow for being a part of the Russian-led trade and military blocs. Both nations are members of the Eurasian economy and the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO).

Ever since Russia launched its offensive on Ukraine, people on Kazakh social media have been divided in terms of their opinion--one part speaking in support of it and the other opposing it. Panova was discussing the current crisis scenario in Ukraine on Facebook during which she spoke in favor of the U.S. Alliance but said maintaining some independence was key for Russia, according to Reuters. This caused a huge public outcry which led to Panova making the comment that led to her being fired.

Kazakhstan has refrained from openly criticizing Putin's invasion of Russia and also didn't recognize the so-called republics of Donetsk and Lugansk. Kazakhstan's Deputy Chief Prosecutor Bulat Dembayev cautioned people not to make any kind of racist and provocative remarks on social media.

"Moreover, some social network users, including Kazakh citizens … publish separatist slogans that refer to the territorial integrity of our country," Dembayev said, warning that such actions constitute a crime, Reuters reported.

Meanwhile, Kazakhstan is looking to cash in on the sanctions imposed on Russia by international communities. In an interview with a German newspaper, the Deputy Foreign Minister said the businesses "that have left Russia in the wake of the Ukraine war to come to this country."