Russian President Vladimir Putin held a summit with leaders of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) in Kyrgyzstan’s capital, Bishkek, emphasizing the growing cooperation between Russia and its fellow member nations despite Western sanctions. Putin highlighted the increased economic exchanges between Russia and its allies, citing a new agreement on joint air defense with Kyrgyzstan as an example of strengthened military ties. The CIS alliance, dominated by Russia, comprises several ex-Soviet nations, including Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan.
Despite strained ties with Armenia, Putin expressed his eagerness to mend fences, stating that he accepts Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s invitation to visit Armenia and might do so later. Pashinyan had failed to attend the summit, citing a lack of stability after Azerbaijan reclaimed control of Nagorno-Karabakh last month. Putin also commented on the recent Israel-Hamas war, asserting that Israel has the right to defend itself but also stressing that the Israeli military onslaught on Gaza should not harm all its residents, including women and children.
Vladimir Putin (Via Vladimir Putin/Twitter)
When questioned about unconfirmed allegations that Western weapons supplied to Ukraine ended up in the hands of Hamas militants, Putin expressed skepticism, stating that he did not believe Ukrainian officials would knowingly allow such arms leaks to occur. Putin’s meeting with the CIS leaders reaffirmed Russia’s commitment to strengthening its ties with its fellow member nations. Russia’s president emphasized the importance of cooperation with “like-minded people from other regions of the world – with the countries of the so-called world majority, the Global South, whose views are very close to us.”
The meeting came amidst Western sanctions imposed on Russia, which have significantly impacted the country’s economy. Russia is seeking to strengthen its ties with its fellow ex-Soviet nations to safeguard its economic interests and maintain its regional influence. Moscow’s efforts to mend fences with Armenia, despite the ongoing tensions, underscore the importance of regional diplomacy and stability in the face of global turbulence.
