Speaking alongside Putin, Kazakh president calls for freeze of Ukraine war

Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has called for an immediate freeze of the conflict in Ukraine, suggesting it as a pathway to a potential peace agreement. Tokayev made the proposal while standing beside Russian President Vladimir Putin at a Russia-Kazakhstan forum held in the Siberian city of Omsk.

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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 expressed his support for a diplomatic resolution, stating that a peace deal might be achievable if both sides agreed to halt hostilities and resume negotiations. He specifically referenced the "Istanbul formula 2.0," referring to talks held in Istanbul shortly after Russia's full-scale invasion in early 2022 and again in 2025, which ultimately failed to yield a breakthrough.

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With (security) guarantees from the great powers, including Russia, we could move forward toward a long-awaited peace.

During the joint appearance, Tokayev commended Russian President Vladimir Putin for his "utmost diplomatic flexibility." He articulated his vision for peace, suggesting that "with (security) guarantees from the great powers, including Russia, we could move forward toward a long-awaited peace." Tokayev concluded his remarks by emphasizing the urgency, stating, "This must be brought to an end."

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This must be brought to an end.