Bridging Conflict: The Ukraine-Russia Peace Talks Need Multiple Platforms for Negotiations

The proposed Istanbul meeting between Zelensky and Putin on May 15 did not take place, but hope for peace remains as other stakeholders have expressed eagerness to support a resolution. Turkey, with its unique geopolitical position as a bridge between Europe and Asia, was an obvious choice to host the negotiations. While Turkey sought to maintain balanced relations throughout the conflict, its provision of military support to Ukraine, including drones, complicated its image as a neutral party. Despite these complexities, as a NATO member with significant energy partnerships with Russia, Turkey serves as a crucial intermediary. Furthermore, its active role in initiatives like the Black Sea Grain Agreement reinforced its credibility in international diplomacy. Turkey’s continued involvement, therefore, benefits not only the peace process but also its own economic and strategic interests.

Turkey is not the only stakeholder on the periphery of Russia, however; Kazakhstan is also well-positioned to contribute to the peace negotiations. Kazakhstan’s shared history with Russia and Ukraine as former Soviet republics has shaped mutual economic and security frameworks, rooted in decades of centralized governance and cooperation. The continued use of the Russian language as one medium of communication across these nations underscores intertwined cultural and historical links. Kazakhstan’s relationship with Russia spans centuries, marked by alliances, trade, and cultural exchange, further deepening ties beyond the Soviet era.

In recent years, Kazakhstan has diversified its alliances through its multi-vector foreign policy. It has forged strong relationships with China, the U.S., the EU, and organizations like the SCO and EAEU while cultivating robust economic ties. Its energy sector has attracted major foreign investors such as Chevron, ExxonMobil, and Shell. By hosting peace talks and global summits, Kazakhstan has established itself as a neutral mediator, balancing traditional ties with Russia while expanding its global influence.

Kazakhstan also has an impressive record in terms of peace negotiations. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev hosted pivotal talks in Almaty in 2023 between Armenia and Azerbaijan, addressing over three decades of conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh. Kazakhstan also played a key role in facilitating the 2018 agreement on the Caspian Sea’s legal status, which resolved disputes over resources and territorial boundaries. The country hosted Syrian peace talks in Astana in 2017, bringing together the Syrian government, opposition groups, and international stakeholders, including Russia and Turkey. Similarly, it provided a platform for the Iran nuclear talks in 2013 and supported the 2015 Iran nuclear deal. Kazakhstan’s neutrality and commitment to diplomacy have earned it credibility as a Middle Power in fostering agreements on contentious issues.

Additionally, Kazakhstan hosted the 2010 OSCE Summit that led to the adoption of the Astana Declaration. This reaffirmed the Helsinki Principles on peace, security, and cooperation from Vancouver to Vladivostok. It represented a critical collective commitment to territorial integrity, sovereignty, and human rights since the dissolution of the USSR. The summit underscored Kazakhstan’s role in addressing Cold War legacies while promoting lasting geopolitical cooperation.

Under President Tokayev, Kazakhstan’s foreign policy has adhered to the principles of the UN Charter, including respecting sovereignty, territorial integrity, and peaceful dispute resolution. Its multi-vector strategy seeks to balance relationships with global powers while upholding international law, asserting the nation’s role as a stabilizing force in an increasingly volatile world.

Kazakhstan’s neutrality has faced challenges during the Ukraine-Russia conflict. By refusing to recognize separatist regions in Ukraine, Kazakhstan affirmed its opposition to unilateral border changes through force. Simultaneously, it engaged with both Kyiv and Moscow, ensuring open channels of communication to mitigate tensions. By offering its capital, Astana, as a neutral venue for diplomatic talks, Kazakhstan has continually emphasized the importance of diplomacy and mutual respect in resolving conflicts.

Kazakhstan’s multi-vector foreign policy positions it as a key player in complex global challenges. While navigating a polarized international environment remains daunting, its balanced approach and adherence to UN principles strengthen its credibility as a mediator in the Ukraine-Russia crisis. Through multifaceted diplomacy, Kazakhstan exemplifies how middle powers can contribute constructively to global peace and security in a multipolar world.