Kazakhstan Refuses to Recognize Russia’s Referendums in Occupied Ukrainian Territories
Kazakhstan has stated that it will not recognize Kremlin-organized referendums in four occupied regions in Ukraine aimed at annexing territory to Russia, despite being a close ally of Russia.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Aibek Smadiyarov said Monday that Kazakhstan’s stance on the referendum is consistent with “the principles of territorial integrity of states, their sovereign equivalence and peaceful coexistence.”
“We reconfirm our readiness to provide all possible assistance to the establishments of a political dialogue,” he said. “At the same time, our country believes that maintaining stability at either regional or global level is the most important goal.”
The referendums in four eastern Ukrainian regions, aimed at annexing territory Russia has taken by force since its invasion in February, continued for a fourth day on Sept. 26. The Russian parliament could move to formalize the annexation within days….