NUR-SULTAN, March 1. /TASS/. Kazakhstan calls on Russia and Ukraine to the search of understanding and expresses readiness to act as a mediator if necessary, according to President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, who chairs the Nur Otan ruling party that was decided to be renamed Amanat.

"Our stance should proceed from the critical need to ensure the safety, sovereignty and territorial integrity of our country. As a state that hosted the OSCE summit in 2010, we insist on the principle of the indivisibility of Eurasian security. I said this during my visit to Moscow on February 10," the president noted.

According to Tokayev, this principle stipulates mutual understanding based on mutual trust. "Unfortunately, this did not happen. The Minsk agreements remained on paper, which resulted in military operations in Ukraine. We call on both states to find a common ground and reach agreements. For its part, Kazakhstan is ready to provide all possible assistance, including mediation services if necessary," the Kazakh leader said.

The president also recalled that he had already held several working meetings in the Security Council, setting some specific tasks for the government to ensure sustainable socio-economic development of Kazakhstan amid the recent developments. "Our economy needs to be ready to repel the challenges posed by sanctions to ensure uninterrupted functioning in a crisis situation. I believe that we will overcome the upcoming difficulties and challenges together. They should not be underestimated, but there is no need to exaggerate them as well," the head of state pointed out.

On February 24, Russian President Vladimir Putin in response to the appeal of the leaders of the republics of Donbass, decided to conduct a special military operation. The Russian leader stressed that Moscow's plans do not include the occupation of Ukrainian territories. After that, the US, EU and UK, as well as some other states, said that they were imposing penalties against Russian individuals and legal entities.