(MENAFN) Kazakhstan, a close ex-Soviet partner of Russia, has stated that it will not recognize Russia's possible annexation of Ukraine's eastern regions through referendums held there, according to the Central Asian country's foreign ministry on Monday.
Voting took place in four Ukrainian regions largely controlled by Russian forces, marking the start of President Vladimir Putin's plan to annex a large portion of Ukraine in what the West calls a violation of international law that will significantly escalate the country's war. Russia's actions in Ukraine are described as a "special military operation."
"As for the holding of referendums ... Kazakhstan proceeds from the principles of territorial integrity of states, their sovereign equivalence and peaceful coexistence," ministry representative Aibek Smadiyarov stated.
Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has repeatedly called for the Ukrainian conflict to be resolved in accordance with the United Nations Charter.
"We reconfirm our readiness to provide all possible assistance to the establishment of a political dialogue," Smadiyarov asserted. "At the same time, our country believes that maintaining stability at either regional or global level is the most important goal."
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