Statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine on the Development of the Situation in the Republic of Kazakhstan

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine is closely following the development of the situation in the Republic of Kazakhstan.

We condemn the violence that erupted in a number of cities and towns of Kazakhstan and led to numerous victims. We express our condolences in connection with the death of Kazakhstanis, with whom Ukrainians have long-term ties of friendship and mutual respect.

At this critical time for the people of Kazakhstan, it is extremely important to undertake maximum measures to de-escalate the situation and prevent further violence, to guarantee respect for human rights, and to ensure the restoration of the operation of critical infrastructure and communication systems.

We noted the deployment of the foreign military forces on the territory of Kazakhstan, dominated by the Russian contingent, at the invitation of the Kazakhstani authorities. Foreign troops should respect the independence, sovereignty and national legislation of Kazakhstan and international law, and their stay should not extend beyond the declared limited period of time.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine will continue to protect the interests of Ukrainians in Kazakhstan, in particular, to assist them in returning to their homeland. We pay particular attention to the situation with our citizens in Almaty.

We wish to remind all Ukrainians of the recommendations to stay in places of temporary residence and to keep in touch with the Embassy of Ukraine in Nur-Sultan, which will inform about possible ways to leave Kazakhstan.