Toqayev: Kazakhstan Is Not a Mediator Between Russia and Ukraine, Willing to Provide Conditions for Talks

President Qasym-Jomart Toqayev stated that Kazakhstan does not act as a mediator in the war between Russia and Ukraine and does not position itself in that role, Orda.kz reports.

Both sides are capable of holding dialogue on disputed issues bilaterally and at different levels. I have always believed and publicly said that the ‘Ukrainian crisis’ is extremely complex and cannot be simplified. With the continuation of hostilities, territorial, historical, national, linguistic, and political issues accumulate. Yes, the territorial issue is now the main and most difficult one. Opinions are numerous, including exotic ones. Nevertheless, negotiations must continue. I spoke about this at the UN General Assembly,Toqayev said.

According to Aqorda, Toqayev added that if the leaders of Russia and Ukraine were willing to come to Kazakhstan, the country would provide all the necessary conditions for talks.

Earlier, Volodymyr Zelenskyy mentioned Kazakhstan as a possible venue for talks with Vladimir Putin.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov responded that Moscow considers the Russian capital the “best platform” for dialogue, rejecting options like Switzerland or Austria as “no longer neutral.”

President Putin had also called Moscow the “best place” for negotiations, a proposal Zelenskyy rejected, comparing it to holding a summit in Kyiv during wartime.

On the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, Toqayev met with Zelenskyy. The two leaders discussed economic and humanitarian cooperation as well as efforts to end the war.

Zelenskyy thanked Toqayev for supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

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