ASTANA, Kazakhstan, December 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Yesterday, the VIIth meeting of the Club Astana devoted to the theme “A new formula for peace: the world on the brink of transformation” was held in Kazakhstan capital, Astana.
The strategic impasse in Ukraine was the key topic around which all discussions were centered.
The first president of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev noted during his speech at the Club meeting that he was once a direct participant in the conflict resolution process in Ukraine.
“I put a lot of effort into organizing Minsk agreements brought together at the height of the Ukrainian crisis in 2014. At that time, it was for the first time possible to organize a face-to-face dialogue between the country’s leaders. Russia And Ukraine.
THE Minsk The agreements paved the way for negotiations and compromise. Unfortunately, it didn’t work. We know the result now“Nazarbayev said.
According to him, the reality on the battlefield today is that a way out of the Ukrainian impasse is possible only through negotiations.
“In my opinion, this serious conflict at the center of Europe could only be stopped by the great powers, United States And Russia, also inviting other leaders to dialogue if there is a will and desire on their side. And of course, always taking into account the interests of Ukraine“, he said.
Club participants shared this vision of the current war impasse.
For example, Charles Kupchansenior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, said: “We have a zugzwang on the battlefield, Russia has no success in 2023, and Ukraine. We also see that it will be much more difficult for the United States to maintain its support for Ukraine“.
Considering China approach to this conflict, senior colonel Zhou Boa prominent Chinese military expert from Tsinghua University, pointed out that Beijing should not be blamed for taking his current position.
“The outbreak of World War III would have been predetermined, if only China supported Russia position. However, China is in favor of a peaceful settlement and has made its own proposals“, he said.
All participants, including the former Prime Minister of Spain José Luis Rodriguez Zapatero stressed the importance of having a neutral platform for negotiations. Kazakhstan with its multi-vector foreign policy, it could become an ideal place for the resolution of the Ukrainian crisis.
SOURCE Club Astana
