Kazakhstan calls on Russia and Ukraine to the search of understanding and expresses readiness to act as a mediator if necessary, according to President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, who chairs the Nur Otan ruling party that was decided to be renamed Amanat.

"Our stance should proceed from the critical need to ensure the safety, sovereignty and territorial integrity of our country. As a state that hosted the OSCE summit in 2010, we insist on the principle of the indivisibility of Eurasian security. I said this during my visit to Moscow on February 10," Tokayev said on March 1 while addressing the extraordinary congress of the ruling party. 

According to the Kazakh leader, this principle stipulates mutual understanding based on mutual trust.

"Unfortunately, this did not happen. The Minsk agreements remained on paper, which resulted in military operations in Ukraine. We call on both states to find a common ground and reach agreements. For its part, Kazakhstan is ready to provide all possible assistance, including mediation services if necessary," Tokayev said. 

The president also recalled that he had already held several working meetings in the Security Council, setting some specific tasks for the government to ensure sustainable socio-economic development of Kazakhstan amid the recent developments.

"Our economy needs to be ready to repel the challenges posed by sanctions to ensure uninterrupted functioning in a crisis situation,” Tokayev pointed out.  

On February 24, Russian President Vladimir Putin in response to the appeal of the leaders of the breakaway regions of eastern Ukraine decided to conduct a special military operation.  After that, the US, EU and UK, as well as some other states, said that they were imposing penalties against Russian individuals and legal entities.