Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to 'freeze' the conflict in Ukraine during a meeting in Omsk, Russia. Tokayev revealed he had received 'many signals' from Europe and the United States urging an end to the war.
Tokayev's Remarks
Tokayev told Putin: 'Perhaps it is time to freeze this conflict and return to the Istanbul 2.0 formula, as significant results were achieved there. After that - naturally under guarantees from major powers, including Russia - we can move forward. I will not hide that I have been receiving many signals, which I informed you about over the phone.'
He added that the signals came from Europe and the US regarding the current state of the conflict. 'It's a pity, young people are dying, this is about the gene pool of the brotherly peoples, Russia and Ukraine. All of this needs to be stopped because what is happening, in my firm view, benefits and pleases the adversaries of both Russia and Ukraine.'
Putin said he would keep Tokayev updated on developments on the Ukrainian front.
Casualty Figures
The conflict, which Russia launched in 2022 as a 'special military operation,' has resulted in significant casualties. According to CNN, Russian fatalities stand at 450,000 with 1.4 million casualties, approximately 1% of Russia's population. Ukraine has suffered between 525,000 and 625,000 casualties, including 125,000 to 150,000 deaths.
Zelensky's Stance
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, scheduled to meet with Donald Trump at the White House next week, told US commentator Laura Loomer: 'If tomorrow we can stop the war to make a ceasefire, it's better than to fight 10-20 years for victory and lose your people.'
