Kazakh leader: Only peaceful dialogue can resolve Ukraine crisis

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has emphasised that he sees no other solution to the conflict in Ukraine than through peaceful negotiations.

Tokayev reiterated his assertion that Russia cannot be defeated on the battlefield, a statement he first made in September during a meeting with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Caliber.Az reports per Russian media.

“For this reason, Kazakhstan supports ‘realistic plans’ for a peaceful resolution, including proposals from Brazil and China,” Tokayev explained.

Commenting further, Tokayev stressed that the alternative is a war of mutual destruction.

“While some global powers may be interested in this, it is a road to the abyss,” he added.

Kazakh president also characterised the pursuit of peace as a demonstration of "strategic prudence" rather than weakness.

Notably, on September 16, during a meeting in Astana, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev conveyed to German Chancellor Olaf Scholz that "Russia cannot be defeated in the military sense."

Despite Kazakhstan's historically close relationship with Moscow, Tokayev has maintained a measured position regarding the ongoing war, notably refusing to acknowledge Russia's unlawful annexation of Ukrainian territories in 2022.

Tokayev stressed the potential for "irreparable consequences for the whole of humanity" if the conflict escalates further, highlighting Kazakhstan's pragmatic approach as it balances its ties with Russia while navigating the complexities of the situation.

By Aghakazim Guliyev