‘Freeze the conflict’: Drones slow Kazakh oil flow amid Russia-Ukraine war | Russia-Ukraine war News
Kazakhstan’s President Suggests ‘Freezing’ Russia-Ukraine Conflict
OMSK, Russia – Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev cautiously addressed the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war during a press conference on Saturday, alongside Russian leader Vladimir Putin. As the conflict enters its fifth year, Tokayev proposed a potential pause in hostilities, suggesting a return to what he termed the “Istanbul formula 2.0.”
“If I may offer my humble opinion … perhaps it is time to freeze this conflict,” Tokayev remarked. He referenced a previously attempted agreement that aimed to halt fighting along the established front line and set the stage for further negotiations mediated by Western powers.
Tokayev’s comments come in the wake of a significant escalation following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. At that time, he notably diverged from Putin, affirming Kazakhstan’s position of not recognizing the annexation of Ukrainian territories by Russia. However, during the recent forum, he lauded Putin’s “diplomatic flexibility,” identifying Russia as one of the “great powers” capable of fostering peace in the region.
“All of this should be stopped, because what’s happening plays into the hands of the enemies of Russia and the Ukrainian people,” Tokayev stated.
Kazakhstan, which houses substantial oil reserves and serves as the European Union’s second-largest crude supplier, recently announced a reduction in oil production. This decision follows drone attacks attributed to Ukraine that forced the closure of its main Black Sea export terminal.
Kazakhstan’s crude, known as CPC, is associated with the Caspian Pipeline Consortium, which includes major Western oil companies such as Chevron and ExxonMobil. The pipeline runs approximately 1,500 kilometers to the Russian port of Novorossiysk, which has reportedly become a refuge for Russia’s Black Sea Fleet.
In recent weeks, Ukrainian forces have targeted nearly 200 vessels, including those associated with Russia’s “shadow fleet,” as part of a broader strategy against Moscow’s oil transportation network. The drone strikes have also impacted CPC tankers and damaged the consortium’s marine terminal.
Kazakhstan’s Foreign Ministry condemned the drone attacks on July 19, calling them an “unacceptable encroachment” on the nation’s economic interests. The Ministry asserted that these actions aimed to destabilize international trade and global energy markets.
In response, Ukraine’s Ambassador to Kazakhstan, Viktor Mayko, dismissed accusations of Ukraine’s involvement, stating there was “no proof” to substantiate such claims.
Following these developments, the Energy Ministry of Kazakhstan announced that CPC had “temporarily suspended” oil shipments until the situation improved, a move causing concern as oil and gas constitute approximately 20% of the country’s gross domestic product.
Local sentiments reflect the broader economic worries, with many Kazakhs expressing that immediate concerns revolve around inflation and rising prices, overshadowing the international conflict.
EU member states, particularly Romania, which depends heavily on Kazakh oil, have expressed trepidation about potential supply disruptions. Romanian Interim Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan reassured citizens, indicating that while supply issues were not expected, a decrease in gasoline production could occur.
Analysts warn of long-term ramifications for Kazakhstan’s oil exports, suggesting that continued disruptions may force the country to divert oil to more costly routes, thereby impacting overall revenues.
Volodymyr Fesenko, head of the Kyiv-based Penta think tank, indicated that there could be unspoken pressures on Ukraine from the U.S. government, urging caution in targeting non-Russian vessels in the Black Sea.
Reports emerged indicating that Chevron’s CEO recently engaged with U.S. officials in an effort to address the situation, with a U.S. official suggesting a warning was issued to Ukraine regarding attacks on non-Russian shipping.
As tensions persist, the international community continues to monitor the evolving dynamics surrounding the conflict.
