Kazakhstani president Tokayev affirms his commitment to a peaceful settlement in Ukraine, during a conversation with Ukrainian counterpart Zelenskyy.
Kazakhstan Advocates Diplomatic Approach to Ukraine Conflict
Kazakhstan has reiterated its commitment to a lasting peace in Ukraine, based on the principles of international law, respecting Ukrainian sovereignty and territorial integrity. In a recent telephone conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasised the need for a balanced and rational approach to the conflict[1][3].
Tokayev expressed Kazakhstan’s deep respect for the Ukrainian nation, its history, culture, and language, while underscoring the importance of preserving Ukraine’s statehood. He communicated Kazakhstan’s stance against the forcible partition of Ukraine and support for a just peace respecting sovereign rights[1][3].
Kazakhstan maintains a principled neutrality, avoiding alignment with Russia’s military aggression while not endorsing Western sanctions unequivocally. This approach reflects Kazakhstan’s strategic need to balance close economic and security ties with Russia alongside diverse partnerships in China, Turkey, and the West[2][5].
Tokayev has been a vocal advocate for diplomacy from the early stages of the conflict, notably refusing to recognise Russian-backed separatist entities in eastern Ukraine. He has consistently advocated for a jointly developed, fair peace formula, emphasising the complexity of territorial disputes[2][5].
During the conversation, the presidents focused on prospects for resolving the conflict in Ukraine. Tokayev acknowledged that the current highly complex situation requires an approach that is balanced and reasonable, prioritising negotiations over conflict[1][3].
Despite the lack of any specific resolution or agreement being mentioned in the conversation, Tokayev's previous statements support adherence to the UN Charter, the inviolability of the borders of sovereign states, and the territorial integrity of sovereign states[1][3].
In summary, Kazakhstan plays a role as a promoter of diplomatic dialogue and a genuinely neutral party interested in a resolution consistent with international law. Tokayev emphasises the need for peace that safeguards Ukraine’s sovereignty, respects international borders, and prioritises negotiated settlement over ongoing hostilities[1][3][5].
[1] Akorda [2] Reuters [3] Kazinform [4] Interfax-Kazakhstan [5] TASS
Kazakhstan's diplomatic approach to the Ukraine conflict aligns with its involvement in war-and-conflicts discussions at the international level, as the President continually advocates for peace that adheres to the principles of international law and respects Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. This balanced and rational stance in politics, which emphasizes negotiations over conflict, also reflects in Kazakhstan's general news coverage.
