Tokayev Urges Russia to 'Freeze' Ukraine Conflict While Maintaining Allied Relationship

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has publicly urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to 'freeze' the conflict with Ukraine and return to the negotiating table. This call was made while Tokayev simultaneously emphasized Kazakhstan's commitment to maintaining its close ties and 'allied relationship' with Russia. Speaking alongside Putin at the Russia-Kazakhstan Forum of Interregional Cooperation, Tokayev suggested, "Perhaps it’s time to put this conflict on hold and return to the Istanbul 2.0 formula," referencing the talks hosted in March 2022 shortly after Russia's full-scale invasion. However, Tokayev also rejected the prospect of acting as a mediator, stating, "I refuse to be a mediator, because I know that Russia is a great country, the Russian people are a great people, and, as they say, they can manage on their own without intermediaries." He added that Kazakhstan "has always treated the Ukrainian people with respect," indicating a nuanced approach towards both nations. In response, the Russian side has indicated that a "freeze is impossible" and that achieving their goals remains the primary condition. Nevertheless, following Tokayev's remarks, Russia issued executive orders authorizing negotiations with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan to update their existing military-technical cooperation agreements. These agreements cover not only the sale of weapons but also mutual deliveries of defense products, military-technical information, and joint research and development. The war in Ukraine is creating a complex backdrop for these relations. Western sanctions have complicated exports between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan and Russia. Central Asian militaries are largely reliant on Russian-made equipment, a factor Russia could potentially leverage. Tokayev's push for peace, within the context of Kazakhstan's strategic alliance with Russia, highlights a diplomatic tightrope walk. The progress of the military-technical agreement amendments will likely add further layers to this intricate relationship.