Russian President Vladimir Putin has underscored the enduring and distinctive nature of Moscow’s relations with the member states of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), describing the bonds as rooted in decades of shared history, humanitarian cooperation, and deep economic interdependence.
Speaking on Friday during a meeting with permanent representatives of the Russian Security Council, Putin emphasised that these ties are not merely diplomatic formalities but reflect a profound and long-standing relationship that Russia intends to preserve and strengthen going forward.
“We have always had, and I am sure will continue to have, a special attitude toward this, if only for historical reasons, and also because we have a huge amount of work to do, including in economic cooperation with these countries. They are our neighbours. Over the course of decades, we have developed special relations in both the humanitarian sphere and the human dimension,” Putin stated.
The remarks signal Moscow’s continued prioritisation of the post-Soviet space as a cornerstone of its foreign policy architecture. The CIS, which comprises a number of former Soviet republics spanning Eastern Europe, the South Caucasus, and Central Asia, remains a critical framework through which Russia engages its neighbours on matters ranging from trade and energy to security and cultural exchange.
Putin’s statement comes at a time when the geopolitical landscape across Eurasia is undergoing significant realignment, with several CIS nations deepening multilateral engagements through platforms such as the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). Moscow’s reaffirmation of its special ties with these countries reflects a broader strategic intent to consolidate a cohesive regional bloc capable of navigating an increasingly multipolar international order.
The Security Council meeting, at which the remarks were delivered, serves as a key forum for Russia’s senior leadership to deliberate on matters of national and regional strategic importance, further underlining the significance Putin attaches to CIS relations at the highest levels of state governance.
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