Kazakhstan reaffirms readiness to host Russia-Ukraine talks

Kazakhstan’s Foreign Ministry commented on reports of possible talks between Russia and Ukraine holding in Astana. The ministry said that Kazakhstan’s position on the matter remains unchanged: the country is ready to provide a platform for the talks, but only at the request of Moscow and Kyiv.

«The Republic of Kazakhstan has consistently advocated a peaceful, political and diplomatic settlement of the Russia-Ukraine conflict and has repeatedly stated its readiness to provide the necessary conditions and a platform for talks if the parties express such an intention,» the ministry told RIA Novosti in response to its inquiry.

The Foreign Ministry added that if a formal request is submitted, the diplomatic service and government agencies are ready to review it as soon as possible and to ensure that all necessary organizational conditions are in place.

Meanwhile, neither Russia nor Ukraine has officially approached Kazakhstan to request talks.

As the Foreign Ministry’s press service told Kursiv.media, this is not a new initiative or behind-the-scenes consultation. Kazakhstan has once again reaffirmed a position it has stated before.