Ukraine in Kazakhstan

"The war will end this year. I truly believe that."


The diary “The Times of Central Asia” spoke to Viktor Majko, Ambassador of Ukraine in Kazakhstan, on the prospects of deepening economical cooperation with Central Asia, the function of the Central Corridor, the challenges of energy transit in the Caspian Sea region, Kiev's expectations of global support and possible ways of ending the war.



Economic and trade prospects in Central Asia

TCA : Mr Ambassador, what are the prospects for deepening the trade and economical partnership between Ukraine, Kazakhstan and wider Central Asia? Which sectors offer the top possible for cooperation?

Ambassador Majko: Deepening trade and economical relations between Ukraine, Kazakhstan and another countries of Central Asia is not only a prospect; it is simply a necessity dictated by planet economical trends.

Kazakhstan is the economical leader of the region, with GDP exceeding $300 billion. This country is on its way to joining the G20 in 5-10 years. The United States, seeing this potential, invited Kazakhstan to an upcoming G20 gathering in the US, which demonstrates the increasing global importance of Kazakhstan.

The economy of Ukraine and Kazakhstan complement each other. Ukraine brings experience in agricultural technology, mechanical engineering, IT and processing, while Kazakhstan brings resources, industrial possible and logistics. The promising areas of cooperation include the improvement of the agri-food industry, from plant production to processing digitization; industrial cooperation through equipment supplies and joint production; logistics and infrastructure to strengthen transport corridors; and energy and IT projects focused on efficiency and network modernisation.

We're moving from explanation to practice. This year Kazakhstan will visit a large business delegation from Ukraine. We are besides looking forward to the next gathering of the Joint Ukrainian-Kazakhstan Committee on Intergovernmental Cooperation, which is crucial for removing barriers and initiating fresh projects.

Ukraine's presence in Kazakhstan's economy was historically significant. Had it not been for the war and the resulting disruptions in transport, I believe our common trade could have reached $10 billion. Ukrainian equipment continues to form a crucial part of Kazakhstan's industrial base, especially in regions specified as Karaganda, Aktau and Pavlodar, although a large part of this equipment now requires modernisation.

Another promising area is the improvement of mineral resources. Ukraine has a technological and applicable base to make a crucial contribution to this sector.

The erstwhile cooperation of Turkmenistan with Ukrainian companies in the field of revitalization of exploited wells illustrates our potential. The wells considered to have been exploited by older technologies brought hundreds of thousands of tons of oil under Ukrainian management. This effective model can be utilized in Kazakhstan, 1 of the 3 largest oil suppliers in the EU.

TCA : How is cooperation in the transport sector developing, especially within the Central Corridor? Are there any possible plans for joint infrastructure projects?

Ambassador Majko : Russian aggression on a full scale disrupted Ukraine's existing logistics routes. Today, we prioritise alternatives specified as the Trans-Caspian global Transport Route, the ‘Central Corridor’ as a strategical interest.

Our current multimodal way runs through Romania, Bulgaria, Turkey, Georgia and Azerbaijan and then through the Caspian Sea. However, transportation is inactive costly and time consuming. For example, a 20-ton shipment to Almata costs $11,000–15,000 and takes about a month, mainly due to narrow ferry throats across the Caspian Sea.

We see large possible in joint Ukrainian and Kazakh railway and maritime projects that can reduce costs and increase reliability. The key nonsubjective is to integrate Ukrainian Black Sea ports into the Central Corridor. fresh contracts at port level, including those relating to Bielgorod-Dniestrowski Commercial Port, aim to establish formal cooperation with Kazakh counterparts.

Ukrzalizacja JSC cooperates actively with railway administrations in Central Asia and South Caucasus to implement a bilateral agreement focused on applicable logistics solutions. In addition, we support the creation of a container hub in the Aktau peculiar economical region to increase the overall corridor capacity.

The mediate Corridor is simply a key instrument for stimulating trade and strengthening Kazakhstan's function as a regional leader in transit.

TCA : How does Ukraine view energy cooperation with Kazakhstan and another Central Asian countries? Are there plans to diversify supply routes?

Ambassador Majko : Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan are key energy partners of Ukraine, both in oil and gas. Our cooperation continues at company level, and Ukrainian producers supply equipment to Kazakh energy companies.

Despite the war challenges, Ukrainian companies resumed direct cooperation with partners in the Mangystaus region. Ukrainian expertise helps modernise key systems without relying on intermediaries and counterfeit parts.

Energy exports are also area of interest. Kazakhstan became 1 of the 3 largest oil suppliers to the EU, accounting for 11.5% of EU imports in 2024, and request for it is increasing. Ukraine is besides seeking Kazakh oil, provided its transport bypasses the Russian Federation.

In Aktau and Kuryk, applicable actions are underway to improve the capacity of tankers and rail connections. The promising routes include Aktau–Baku–Tbilisi–Ceyhan and Baku–Supsa, as well as the trans-Adriatic pipeline.

We invitation Kazakhstan to participate in the reconstruction and construction of the oil refinery in Ukraine, which will aim to refine Kazakh oil for home purposes and export to the EU.

Deep drilling is simply a common priority. Ukraine drilled 24 wells over 6 km deep in the Poltava region, which may interest Kazakhstan. We are open to a partnership between JSC NC KazMunayGas and JSC Ukrgazvydobuvannya to jointly research and manage hydrocarbons.

Ukraine besides offers large possible in the shipbuilding industry. Cooperation between Kazmortransflot and Ukrainian companies, specified as Nikolaev Shipyard and Smart Maritime Group, could increase fleet renovation and construction capabilities. Ukrainian companies, specified as NPIK Nieftiegastroizoliacia and Neftiegashim Service LLC, can besides aid to modernise oil pipelines in the Caspian Sea region.


TCA : How do you respond to reports of attacks on tankers carrying Kazakh oil and oil linked to Western companies, including American companies? Did these events affect bilateral relations?

Ambassador Majko : Ukraine has never attacked the economy or infrastructure of Kazakhstan. We value the consistent support of Kazakhstan for our sovereignty and territorial integrity and strive to guarantee safe energy supply across the Black Sea.

Ukrainian attacks are aimed solely at targets linked to the Russian military. For example, we attack refineries supplying fuel to the Russian military, not civilian infrastructure. Ukraine never considered the facilities in Kazakhstan to be legitimate targets.

A fresh incidental involving Greek tankers chartered by KazMunayGas is an illustration of this. These vessels, with active transponders and transparent routes, were not damaged. At the same time, 2 Russian tankers of "shadow floats" close Novorossian were severely hit by Ukrainian long-range drones. In turn, Greek tankers were reportedly attacked by short-range FPV drones, suggesting that the launch did not take place from Ukraine, but from waters close Noworosian.

After talks with Ukrainian military I can confirm: Kazakhstan is not and will not be the mark of Ukrainian attacks. specified is the position of Ukrainian political and military leadership.

TCA : How do you measure current relations with the US and the European Union? How does interior political dynamics affect support for Ukraine?

Ambassador Majko : Ukraine continues to receive strong support from the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Canada, Japan, Turkey and another countries. This support, military, financial and humanitarian, is essential to our resistance.

During this year's winter attacks on our energy infrastructure, the aid remains constant. We receive equipment, satellite communications, intelligence and humanitarian aid. Disconnecting Starlink for Russian forces is simply a notable fact.

New sanctions, including the 20th EU package, are targeted at the Russian fleet of secret operations and the Russian financial system. Given these developments, concerns about falling support are unfounded.

United States and Europe were Faithful allies throughout the war. Without their support, the situation in Ukraine would be much worse. We are inactive negotiating with Russia, supported by our European partners.
President Volodymyr Zelenski signaled his willingness to compromise, but not unilaterally. safety guarantees must be mutual. Russia is inactive changing its conditions, especially with respect to post-war military presence. Ukraine will not voluntarily surrender its territory. These lands are home to citizens who do not want to live under occupation. There are key industrial assets and mineral resources.

Although Russian civilian society remains mostly passive, even the Kremlin must recognise its interior limitations. I believe these restrictions are coming fast. Therefore, I am convinced: the war will end this year. I truly believe that.



Askar Alimzanov




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Ambassador Viktor Mayko: Ukraine sees Kazakhstan as a friend, partner and possible mediator.

Politics – 23 June 2026, 14:00 p.m.



Kazakhstan can play a crucial function both in future peace talks between Moscow and Kiev, as well as in shaping the fresh transport and economical configuration of Eurasia. Exclusive.kz discussed this with Ukrainian ambassador Viktor Majka, as well as prospects for ending the war, sanctions policy and opportunities for cooperation between Ukraine and Kazakhstan.


Victor Anatolyevich, the attacks on Ukraine have intensified in fresh weeks. The situation remains highly uncertain. What are your chances of a peaceful solution today?

"If we are talking about what is happening present in Ukraine, we see the continuation of panic against the civilian population. Without achieving crucial successes on the battlefield, Russia attacks civilian infrastructure – in Kiev, Odessa, Dnieper, Kharkiv and Lviv".
It was hoped that the harsh winter, the deficiency of electricity, water and heating would force the Ukrainians to request concessions from the government. But it didn't. Yes, people fought. But the moral resilience of society proved stronger than these attempts.
The attacks proceed until today. Residential buildings are destroyed, people are dying. Recently, the Pieczerska Jury, 1 of the holiest places in the Christian world, was attacked. Therefore, talking about the defence of Orthodoxy seems peculiarly cynical. I don't think it's about religion. It's about aggression and trying to subjugate a neighboring country.

President Volodymyr Zelenski continues to actively meet with Western leaders. What results does Kiev expect?

"We not only number on European leaders, but Europe is our natural partner today.
The meetings of Volodymyr Zelenski with Keir Starmer, Emmanuel Macron, Georgie Melon and the Chancellor of Germany aim to strengthen the European position.
Ukraine continues to emphasise its readiness to negotiate. Her position remains unchanged: first ceasefire, then peace talks and discussion of the terms of the future agreement.
We show readiness for dialogue. However, Russia, despite its declared desire for peace, has inactive not shown a willingness to enter into real negotiations.

– What can be the impetus to start a real negotiation process?

– If we are talking about external factors, present there are 3 forces that are possibly able to convince Vladimir Putin to sit at the negotiating table.
The first is the United States of America. Their political, military and economical possible allows them to exert crucial influence.
The another is China. The Russian military economy present is mostly dependent on Chinese support. If Beijing changes its position, the consequences will be very serious.
Thirdly, a united Europe. If the European Union speaks with 1 voice, its impact can besides be significant.

Moreover, effective sanctions can play a key role.

"But sanctions have been in force for a long time. Why do they not deliver the expected results?"

– due to the fact that the problem is not only in the sanctions themselves, but in the implementation mechanism.
In Russian missiles, manufactured recently, we find American, European and nipponese components. This indicates that the control and monitoring strategy does not work effectively.
Sanctions have an impact, but their effectiveness could be much more effective if there was full control over their implementation and close work for circumventing restrictions.

The EU is increasingly informing against the anticipation of secondary sanctions against Central Asian countries. How serious is this threat?

"I think it's rather real. The first level of hazard is financial. Companies, banks, supply chains and circumstantial individuals active in the avoidance of sanctions may be at risk."
The second level is simply a substance of reputation. Putting 1 country on sanctions lists frequently leads to synchronisation of sanctions imposed by another countries.

But there is besides a 3rd level – long-term informal consequences. Even if a country is not formally subject to sanctions, it can begin to be seen by global financial institutions as a high-risk jurisdiction. This creates serious obstacles to attracting investment and implementing large projects.

– As for the future of the region, many believe that the war is effectively changing the logistics map of Eurasia. What function does Ukraine see for itself in the Central Corridor?

This is not a fresh task for Ukraine. There was already a Viking transport task that had joined the Baltic, Black and Caspian Sea.

The interest in the Transcaspian global Transport way increased rapidly. Ukraine is already organization to applicable agreements with Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan.
The European Union is ready to invest considerable resources in the improvement of this route. Ukraine sees itself as a natural part of this transport system.

[...]

You have talked many times about the focus of Ukraine on Central Asia. Why has this region become so crucial to Kiev?

– due to the fact that we consider Central Asia a strategical region.

Therefore, a separate Central Asia Unit was established in the Ukrainian Ministry of abroad Affairs. Presidents of Ukraine and Kazakhstan met for the first time in many years.
A very crucial point was that president Kasym-Żomart Tokayev himself noted during the gathering the anticipation of utilizing Kazakhstan as a platform for future peace negotiations.

– How real is the increase in trade between Ukraine and Kazakhstan to $10 billion?

"It's beautiful realistic. Since trade has previously exceeded $5 billion, it is rather possible that in the future they will scope $10 billion or even more.”
To accomplish this, it is essential to reconstruct the full functioning of the Intergovernmental Committee on economical Cooperation and Trade and to make contacts between government agencies and businesses.

– Can Kazakhstan participate in the post-war reconstruction of the country?

- Definitely. The scale of the revival is now estimated at 1 to a trillion dollars.
Housing, energy, transport and social infrastructure and manufacture must be rebuilt.
We believe that oil refining projects are 1 of the most promising areas. Kazakhstan has already launched joint projects in this area, and Ukraine is very affirmative towards them.
There is besides large possible in mineral natural materials, agriculture, mechanical engineering and IT sectors.

– What areas of cooperation between our countries do you consider most promising?

– Above all, agriculture, natural materials processing, mineral resources, advanced technologies and artificial intelligence.
Already in Kazakhstan, Ukrainian companies carry out hundreds of projects from different industries – from agricultural processing to device construction.
Moreover, Ukraine has accumulated extended experience in the field of digital technologies. This was mostly supported by the war conditions that forced us to look for technological solutions and the most effective action.

In my opinion, the economy of Ukraine and Kazakhstan are not only able to trade each other, but besides to make a common added value.

In many ways we are natural partners who can strengthen each other.







https://timesca.com/Ukrainian-ambassador-to-kazakhstan-the-war-will-end-this-year-i-truly-believe-in-that/