Kazakhstan offers venue but not mediation in Russia-Ukraine conflict President says

Kazakhstan can provide a platform for negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, but it does not position itself as a mediator in the ongoing military conflict, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said.

“To sum up, I can say with certainty that we are in favour of direct high-level negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, but preliminary work is needed to achieve mutual understanding. Without being a mediator, Kazakhstan is nevertheless ready, if the need arises, to offer its ‘good offices’ as a venue for negotiations and meetings at all levels,” Tokayev stated, according to Kazakh media.

He stressed that Kazakhstan does not see itself as a mediator, noting that both parties are fully capable of conducting dialogue independently.

“Kazakhstan is not a mediator in the military conflict between Russia and Ukraine and does not see itself as such. In my opinion, both sides are capable of conducting dialogue on all contentious issues on a bilateral basis and at different levels. I have always believed and publicly stated that the Ukrainian crisis is extremely complex and cannot be simplified,” the president added.

By Tamilla Hasanova