Kazakh President urges Russia to pause Ukraine war

In a rare public appeal from a close partner, Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to consider freezing the war in Ukraine and returning to negotiations based on the 2022 Istanbul peace framework. The direct call was made during a bilateral meeting at the 22nd Russia-Kazakhstan Interregional Cooperation Forum in Omsk, Russia, on Saturday, July 25, 2026.

Tokayev framed his suggestion as a "modest opinion," expressing concern over the loss of life. He stated that significant results had been achieved during the Istanbul talks and proposed reviving that diplomatic format, which he termed "Istanbul 2.0," with guarantees from major powers, including Russia. He argued that a pause in hostilities could create conditions for dialogue and a long-awaited peace, adding that the continuation of the conflict only benefits the adversaries of both Russia and Ukraine.

The Kazakh leader also noted the complexity of the conflict, stating its origins are "not completely understandable" for many, including Kazakhstan, contrasting it with other regional disputes he described as having clearer historical roots. During the televised portion of the...