Sergei Lebedev, the secretary general of the Commonwealth of Independent States, expressed concerns about statements from U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken. He argued that Washington appears intent on weakening or dissolving the CIS and pulling its member states away from Russia, a reading reported by TASS.
Lebedev noted that Blinken’s recent travels and remarks in Central Asian nations reflect a strong push to fracture the CIS and erode regional unity. He pointed out that several Commonwealth members have grown more distant from Moscow, suggesting a realignment in the area that could reshape regional ties.
According to Lebedev, the nations of the Commonwealth are aware of this pressure and are seeking ways to unite their efforts to counter it. He emphasized the importance of collective action among CIS members to preserve regional stability and cooperative ties with Moscow, even as external influences shape national policies.
Lavrov, the former Russian foreign minister, reiterated that Blinken’s Central Asian visits aim to disrupt cordial relations between those states and Russia. The comments were presented as part of a broader pattern of U.S. engagement in the region, viewed by Moscow as attempting to redraw existing security and diplomatic arrangements.
Earlier, President Vladimir Putin highlighted growing security threats and conflicts within the CIS region. He underscored the willingness of CIS members to cooperate on common security challenges and to work together toward peaceful resolutions, noting that regional partners share a commitment to stability and mutual interest in reducing tensions. The remarks align with Moscow’s emphasis on sustaining close ties with former Soviet states and managing external pressure through collective action.
Analysts observe that these exchanges reflect a broader strategic contest in which the CIS seeks to balance sovereignty with the practical realities of regional security. Observers stress that Russia remains a key anchor for many member states, while other powers are attempting to expand their influence across Central Asia and the surrounding area. The situation continues to evolve as CIS members navigate the competing pressures of alliance-building, economic ties, and security guarantees in a shifting geopolitical landscape [Source: TASS].