Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, during a personal meeting with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, voiced a specific proposal for resolving the military conflict in Ukraine. The head of the Kazakh state put forward an initiative to 'freeze' the war and return to the negotiation terms that were discussed in Istanbul in 2022.
Information about this conversation was obtained by the media citing the Russian outlet 'Smotri', as reported by RBK-Ukraine. Tokayev positioned his words as a personal opinion and advice, motivating this by the fact that he is allegedly being asked to mediate in resolving the crisis.
Return to the Istanbul format
According to the Kazakh leader, it was in Istanbul that significant results were achieved that could serve as a foundation for peace. In his proposal, Tokayev outlined a clear sequence of actions: first, 'freezing' the conflict, then returning to previously reached agreements, and finally, moving towards long-term peace under the guarantees of great powers.
"Since people are turning to me, perhaps this conflict should already be frozen and we should return to the Istanbul [agreements], since significant results were achieved there. Well, then, of course, under the guarantee of great states, including... and then move towards the long-awaited peace," the President of Kazakhstan stated.
Rhetoric in support of Moscow
During the conversation, Tokayev also voiced a number of theses that fully coincide with the current rhetoric of the Russian leadership. He called Ukrainians and Russians "brotherly peoples" and expressed regret over the deaths of young people on both sides of the conflict.
In addition, the President of Kazakhstan suggested that the continuation of hostilities is beneficial to unnamed "opponents." In his opinion, what is happening brings joy to those interested in weakening the region, and the situation needs to be stopped.
"Since it is a pity, of course, young people are dying, brotherly peoples of Russia and Ukraine, and all this needs to be stopped, since what is happening, in my opinion, is to the hand and joy of opponents," noted Tokayev.
Confirmation of strategic partnership
A separate point of the meeting was the confirmation of Kazakhstan's position towards Russia. Tokayev assured Putin that Astana views Moscow as a great state and is committed to strategic cooperation, despite the complexity of the current international situation.
"As for the position of Kazakhstan towards Russia, do not doubt, we have always considered and consider Russia a great state, as I have already said. I say this at all international forums, and we are committed to strategic cooperation with Russia, allied relations, however difficult it may be. And this current forum is confirmation of that. Thank you," added the head of Kazakhstan.
