Tokayev: I do not expect the war in Ukraine to end immediately
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that additional air defense systems are being sought for Ukraine amid intensifying Russian strikes on Kyiv. He spoke about this during the visit of Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to Berlin.
Tokayev: I do not expect an immediate end to the war in Ukraine
According to DW, Merz, answering journalists' questions on September 29, said that active consultations are being held with European partners on the issue of strengthening aid to Ukraine.
According to him, these discussions are continuing as part of preparations for the European Council meeting to be held in Brussels on October 15–16. The main focus is on supporting Ukraine's budget and air defense systems.
Merz called air defense the "weakest point" of Ukraine's defense. Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced a shortage of nearly $27 billion for military expenditures.
The Chancellor stated that he is personally negotiating with world leaders regarding the delivery of air defense equipment to Kyiv. He also hoped to prepare Ukraine's energy supply for winter amid the potential continuation of Russian strikes on civilian infrastructure.
"These are war crimes being committed every day," Merz said of the Russian attacks.
The Chancellor said that the Russian war against Ukraine was discussed in detail with Tokayev. He thanked the Kazakh leader for speaking with Vladimir Putin about ending the war, emphasizing that Germany would continue to support Kyiv, including through diplomatic efforts.
In this regard, Merz recalled the recent meeting of German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in New York. According to the Chancellor, Russia's reaction to this meeting showed that Moscow is not yet interested in "serious negotiations."
Tokayev, in turn, said he has "very good relations" with Putin and thanked him for listening to his views on the war in Ukraine.
The Kazakh President said he does not expect an immediate end to the war, but sees "freezing" it as a first step towards ending the conflict and transitioning to diplomacy. He had put forward a similar proposal in the summer.
Tokayev noted that from the very beginning, Kazakhstan has emphasized its commitment to the UN Charter, including the principle of the territorial integrity of all states. This position was also reflected in the joint statement at the end of his meeting with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.