Tokayev and Putin Call for Ceasefire in Ukraine War

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev suggested a ceasefire in Ukraine and the resumption of peace talks under the so-called "Istanbul formula 2.0". He made the statement during the Russian-Kazakh forum in Omsk, Siberia, alongside Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Tokayev also praised Putin's "utmost diplomatic flexibility" and stated that the time has come to stop the fighting and return to negotiations.

"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", said the Kazakh president.

According to him, with security guarantees from major powers, including Russia, the long-awaited peace could be achieved. "This must be brought to an end", he added.

Russia and Ukraine held talks in Istanbul shortly after the start of the Russian invasion in 2022 and again in 2025. However, neither of these rounds of talks produced a major breakthrough toward ending the war.

(Reuters, est)