Tokayev met Putin in the Siberian city of Omsk for the Russia-Kazakhstan Forum of Interregional Cooperation on July 24-25. Speaking alongside Putin at the forum, Tokayev urged his Russian counterpart to return to the negotiating table. Tokayev acknowledged that Russia and Ukraine hold different positions, but said that there was an opportunity “to put this whole matter on hold.” “[W]hat’s happening, in my firm opinion, plays into the hands and delights of the adversaries of both Russia and Ukraine.” Tokayev’s push for peace in Ukraine sits somewhat uncomfortably alongside Kazakhstan’s strategic alliance with Russia.