Kazakhstan says ready to mediate in Russia-Ukraine talks

Kazakhstan’s Deputy Foreign Minister Roman Vasilenko has said that the country's authorities continue to express their willingness to act as a mediator or provide a platform for negotiations between Russia and Ukraine.

“Kazakhstan initially offered its services as a potential mediator or a venue for talks between the two opposing sides. This position has not changed,” Vasilenko said in an interview with a foreign media outlet, responding to a question about Kazakhstan's stance on the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, according to Caliber.Az.

According to him, Kazakhstan believes that it is necessary to respect the principles of the UN Charter concerning the territorial integrity of states.

“Kazakhstan maintains a position of restrained neutrality in this situation. While staying in this position, we hope that our good services and assistance will be needed by both sides. We have maintained relations with both Russia and Ukraine throughout these years. We hope that our services will be needed in due course, so we are taking this restrained position,” the deputy foreign minister explained.

He noted that for negotiations to take place, both sides must express their willingness. “As soon as this willingness is expressed, we will be ready,” Vasilenko emphasized.