Kazakhstan President Tokayev calls for Ukraine conflict freeze, proposes digital transport corridor with Russia

Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has called for a freeze on the conflict in Ukraine, suggesting that a peace deal could be reached if both sides halt hostilities and resume negotiations. Speaking alongside Russian President Vladimir Putin at a forum in Omsk, Tokayev proposed what he termed an "Istanbul formula 2.0," referencing earlier talks held in the city soon after Russia's full-scale invasion.

“

If I may offer my humble opinion, since I have been asked, perhaps it is time to freeze this conflict and return to the Istanbul formula 2.0.

Tokayev praised Putin's "utmost diplomatic flexibility" during the joint appearance. The Kazakh leader also put forward a proposal to establish a pilot digital transport corridor between Kazakhstan and Russia. He believes this initiative, alongside existing opportunities, will help shape Eurasia's transport and logistics architecture, leveraging the world's longest continuous land border between the two nations.

In separate developments, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken held high-level talks with Kazakh Foreign Minister Yermek Kosherbayev concerning regional energy security and the stability of global oil supply chains. The officials emphasized the importance of reliable oil exports from Kazakhstan via the Caspian Pipeline Consortium for regional stability. Blinken expressed gratitude for Kazakhstan's support of U.S. peace initiatives and indicated interest in strengthening economic ties.

“

Kazakhstan and Russia, which share the world’s longest continuous land border, are destined to play a leading role in developing the transport and logistics architecture of the Eurasian continent.

The discussions also covered preparations for President Tokayev's upcoming visit to the U.S. for the G20 Summit in December, focusing on the "Enhanced Strategic Partnership" between the two countries. Meanwhile, Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ) has organized its first multimodal shipment of minerals, signaling progress in developing the Middle Corridor route for Kazakh exports.

“

The two officials discussed the importance of energy security, including the reliable and uninterrupted export of Kazakhstan-origin oil via the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC), for regional stability and prosperity.