Belarusian by Ethnicity, Kazakh at Heart: The Story of a National Guardsman
12.07.2026 21:23:49 291
Private Vasily Mazur, a serviceman of Military Unit 5513 of the National Guard of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Taraz, leaves a lasting impression from the very first conversation. Despite his Belarusian roots, he speaks Kazakh fluently and without an accent, using the language almost as if it were his native tongue.
Vasily was born and raised in the Zhambyl Region's Zhambyl (Zhualy) District, the birthplace of the legendary military commander Bauyrzhan Momyshuly. He graduated from a Kazakh-language school and grew up immersed in Kazakh traditions, listening to epic tales of legendary batyrs and reading the philosophical works of Abai.
Kazakh is the primary language spoken in his family, and for Vasily it has long become a natural part of everyday life.
"My interest in the Kazakh language began in childhood. I have always been fascinated by the history, culture, and traditions of the Kazakh people," the guardsman says.
Vasily completed his compulsory military service in Military Unit 5510 of the National Guard in Kokshetau. He enjoyed military life so much that six months later he decided to continue his career as a contract serviceman. Today, Private Mazur serves in the vehicle platoon of Military Unit 5513, where he operates a patrol vehicle.
His command of the state language also benefits him in service. While performing public order duties on the streets of Taraz, he easily communicates with local residents, helping him carry out his responsibilities more effectively.
Private Mazur has earned a reputation as a disciplined and proactive serviceman. Earlier this year, he won the "Memlekettik Til – Menin Tilim" ("The State Language Is My Language") competition held within his military unit. He is now preparing to represent his unit at the next stage of the competition, which will take place under the "Oñtüstık" Regional Command.
In his free time, Vasily is committed to self-improvement. He regularly visits the unit's library, where he enjoys reading works of Kazakh literature. The poetry of Mukagali Makatayev holds a special place in his heart.
For Vasily, respect for the state language has become a guiding principle and an integral part of his worldview. His story is a vivid reminder that love for a language is not determined by ethnicity, and that genuine respect for a nation's culture is demonstrated above all through one's actions.
Press Service of the National Guard
Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kvv/press/news/details/1250172?lang=ru