Trump seeks Tokayev’s advice on ending the war in Ukraine
U.S. President-elect Donald Trump sought the perspective of Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on how the war in Ukraine could be resolved. In response, Tokayev expressed Kazakhstan’s support for initiating peace talks while underscoring that the country does not seek to act as a mediator. He shared these remarks in a recent interview with Ana Tili newspaper.
Tokayev described his phone conversation with Trump, held in early December 2024, as both insightful and frank.
«I can confidently say that he views Kazakhstan as an important strategic partner of the U.S. We agreed to maintain high-level political contacts. Trump and his team aim to promote new ideas and approaches to international politics, which are bound to influence the global landscape.»
«I have been engaged in developing Kazakhstan-American relations since the mid-1990s. Over the past three decades of cooperation, we have developed a shared set of priorities, including trade, economic and investment collaboration, nuclear non-proliferation and security. This agenda will serve as the foundation for our joint work with the new White House administration,» Tokayev said.
Trump reportedly expressed interest in Tokayev’s «vision for ending hostilities in Ukraine.»
«The situation is unique: Russia is militarily invincible, while Ukraine, with the support of its Western allies, hopes to endure the war and avoid defeat. I highlighted the exceptional complexity of this issue, which ultimately depends on the will and determination of the leaders of the warring countries and, naturally, Trump himself, as the leader of a global power,» Tokayev noted.
He added, «I emphasized that from the very beginning of the hostilities in Ukraine, Kazakhstan has supported the launch of negotiations to achieve peace. I must also stress that we do not seek to act as mediators. On the international stage, we act in line with Kazakhstan’s potential and capabilities. However, we are always ready to assist in addressing international challenges.»
In December 2024, Kursiv.media reported that Tokayev and Trump held a phone conversation during which they discussed the strategic partnership between Kazakhstan and the U.S.
