Kazakhstan President Kassam-Jomart Tokayev said today that Russia cannot be defeated militarily within the framework of the conflict in Ukraine, AFP reported, referring to the Kazakh presidency, BTA writes.
Tokaev said this at a meeting with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who is visiting Kazakhstan.
"The fact is that Russia is invincible militarily," Tokaev told Scholz.
Kazakhstan is a military and economic ally of Russia, with which it shares a common border of 7,500 km. President Tokaev regularly meets with the Russian head of state Vladimir Putin, AFP notes.
"Cooperation between our countries is developing within the framework of a strategic partnership and strategic alliance," Tokayev said, assuring that at the same time, "the population of Kazakhstan feels genuine sympathy for the Ukrainian people".
Astana has made critical statements regarding the incursion of Russian forces into Ukraine, and since the start of the war has diversified its military and economic ties, strengthening its relations with China and Western powers.
President Tokaev assured that "there is still a chance for peace" and called to "support the peace plans proposed by China and Brazil".