Kazakh Leader Urges Scholz to Support China’s Peace Plan for Ukraine, According to Reuters

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Monday and encouraged him to reconsider the belief that Russia can be defeated on the battlefield. Instead, Tokayev proposed support for China’s peace plan for Ukraine, a suggestion that Scholz declined.

Scholz is on his inaugural official visit to Central Asia, where Germany is seeking new sources of energy and minerals in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Kazakhstan maintains a close relationship with Russia, its former Soviet ruler, although the Kazakh government has not taken a stance in the ongoing conflict and has not endorsed Moscow’s claims to certain Ukrainian territories.

During their discussions in Astana, Tokayev asserted, “It is a fact that Russia cannot be defeated in the military sense.” He warned that further escalation of the conflict could have dire consequences for humanity, particularly for the countries involved in the Russia-Ukraine war.

In response, Scholz diplomatically disagreed, reaffirming Germany’s support for Ukraine in light of Russia’s invasion. “Germany is supporting Ukraine to help it defend itself and maintain its integrity and sovereignty,” he stated. He also emphasized the importance of continuing to seek avenues for peaceful development.

Scholz mentioned the need to complement a Western-backed peace conference held in Switzerland with another gathering that would include Russia. He expressed concern over Russia’s continued aggressive actions toward Ukraine, stating, “It is clear to me that it will not work the way Russia is currently pushing ahead with everything, continuing to attack Ukraine with great aggression.”

He concluded by emphasizing the crucial role Russia plays in the conflict, noting that it initiated the war and could contribute to its resolution by ceasing its aggression.