On April 17, 2025, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev relieved Darkhan Kaletayev of his duties as the Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Ukraine.
What is known about Kaletayev?
Darkhan Amanovich Kaletayev served as the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Ukraine from 2020 to 2024. His diplomatic mission coincided with an extremely challenging period, including the active phase of the war in Ukraine.
Despite the unstable environment, the embassy continued to carry out its core functions — maintaining official bilateral contacts, supporting Kazakh citizens in Ukraine, and providing essential consular assistance. Special attention was given to security issues, coordination of humanitarian initiatives, and ensuring the functioning of the diplomatic mission under wartime conditions.
Under Kaletayev's leadership, cooperation between the two countries in the energy and fuel sectors continued. As known, Ukraine imports liquefied petroleum gas (LPG – propane-butane) produced in Kazakhstan. These supplies have become especially critical during the war, delivered via EU countries.
Darkhan Kaletayev took part in a number of events aimed at strengthening Kazakh-Ukrainian ties in economic, cultural, and humanitarian fields.
Kaletayev remained in Kyiv despite missile attacks and completed his five-year diplomatic mission with honor, in accordance with protocol. Upon completion of his mission, he handed over responsibilities to his successor, Tolezhan Barlybaev, ensuring continuity and stability of Kazakhstan’s diplomatic representation in Ukraine.
