Tokayev Expresses Continued Backing for Peaceful Settlement in Ukraine During Conversation with Zelenskyy
In a telephone conversation on August 10, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed prospects for resolving the conflict in Ukraine.
During the conversation, President Tokayev reaffirmed Kazakhstan's deep respect for Ukraine, its history, culture, and language. He emphasised the importance of preserving and protecting Ukraine's statehood.
Kazakhstan's position on the conflict in Ukraine is one of unconditional interest in establishing a lasting peace based on international law, emphasising a balanced and rational approach that ensures the preservation of Ukrainian statehood. President Tokayev has repeatedly communicated this stance, highlighting respect for Ukraine's sovereignty while acknowledging the complexity of territorial disputes as a major obstacle to peace.
Kazakhstan has actively offered to mediate between Russia and Ukraine, leveraging its diplomatic ties with both Moscow and Kyiv to maintain open channels amid the ongoing war. The country’s approach reflects diplomatic pragmatism and neutrality, refusing to recognise separatist territories like the Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics and advocating for negotiations rather than prolonged conflict.
Kazakhstan also balances its relations carefully, exemplified by diplomatic engagements both with Ukraine and Russia. This is evident in President Tokayev's congratulations to Russian President Putin on negotiations with the US, while maintaining calls for peaceful resolution.
Kazakhstan’s efforts include public support for a peaceful resolution of the war since early 2022. President Tokayev has called for peace rooted in international law and respect for sovereignty. The country has rejected the recognition of separatist entities to uphold territorial integrity and has attempted to reduce dependence on Russian infrastructure to assert economic independence while maintaining stability. Kazakhstan has also offered mediation and humanitarian aid, hoping to shape future peace processes through diplomacy.
Kazakhstan’s diplomatic stance reflects concerns about regional security, ethnic Russian minorities in Kazakhstan, and fears of territorial revisionism. Its advocacy for diplomacy contrasts with some Western countries that favour sustained military pressure, illustrating Kazakhstan’s unique role as a Central Asian state balancing relations with Russia, Ukraine, and China.
In conclusion, Kazakhstan’s official and diplomatic efforts aim at achieving lasting peace in Ukraine through dialogue and respect for international law, maintaining neutrality while exerting influence as a potential mediator in the conflict. Kazakhstan is ready to continue active cooperation with Ukraine across various areas of mutual interest.
[1] Akorda press release, August 10, 2022. [2] Reuters, March 1, 2022. [3] The Diplomat, March 3, 2022. [4] TASS, March 25, 2022. [5] The National Interest, April 1, 2022.
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