Kazakhstan ready to provide venue for Russia-Ukraine peace talks

The Kazakh outlet Tengrinews.kz reports. 

“Kazakhstan is not a mediator in the military conflict between Russia and Ukraine and does not see itself as one. In my view, both sides are capable of conducting dialogue on all disputed issues bilaterally and at different levels. I have always believed and publicly stated that the ‘Ukrainian crisis’ is extremely complex and cannot be simplified,” said President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

According to the Kazakh leader, as hostilities continue, many issues are piling up: territorial, historical, national, linguistic, and political.

“Yes, the territorial issue is now the main and most difficult one, but its practical resolution at the negotiating table is not visible yet, because of the accompanying discussions on historical topics (Kyivan Rus, ‘territorial gifts,’ Ukrainian statehood, and others). Here, there is a wide range of opinions, including unusual and even exotic ones,” Tokayev said.

He stressed that despite this, he is ready to provide a platform for talks.

“If the leaders of Russia and Ukraine wish to come to Kazakhstan, we will provide all the necessary services to ensure successful negotiations,” Tokayev emphasized.

The president of Kazakhstan expressed the view that “hoping for a practical outcome in conditions of ongoing hostilities without a ceasefire, with disagreements on all key issues on the agenda — this, frankly speaking, is an unrealistic approach.”

“We support the start of direct negotiations at the highest level between Ukraine and Russia, but preliminary work is needed to achieve mutual understanding. While not being a mediator, Kazakhstan, if necessary, is nonetheless ready to offer its ‘good offices’ as a venue for negotiations and meetings at all levels,” Tokayev concluded.