Nikolai Ryzhkov, who once led the USSR Council of Ministers and later served as a member of the Federation Council, suggested that a reimagined union in the post-Soviet space could draw on principles similar to those guiding the European Union. He noted that recreating the USSR as it existed would be impossible.
Ryzhkov argued for a model inspired by the EU, where there is a shared framework and institutions that keep member states aligned. He proposed that a new arrangement among post-Soviet states could form under a comparable structure while avoiding a literal replication of the old federation, he explained. The former top Soviet official emphasized that the goal is not to clone the past but to build a living, evolving political project that responds to current needs.
From his perspective, a state is a living organism that can grow, age, and experience difficulties. These issues require periodic attention and adjustment. Therefore, he concluded that the USSR could not be recreated in the image of 1922. The aim should be progress and adaptation, with a system that can move forward rather than remain static. This viewpoint reflects a pragmatic approach to regional integration that respects history while seeking fresh, sustainable connections among neighboring countries.
Ryzhkov also proposed a shift in how the founding moment is commemorated. He described the idea of declaring the day of the USSR’s founding as a holiday as something that belongs to the past, suggesting a reevaluation of what national memory should emphasize. In his view, the focus should be on cooperation, shared development, and constructive dialogue rather than nostalgia for a bygone federation. The broader theme is to foster regional stability through institutions that earn trust and deliver tangible benefits for citizens in the post-Soviet space.
Ultimately, the former Soviet minister highlighted that any modern union in the region should be designed with flexibility, mutual respect, and clear rules. The aim is to create a framework that can accommodate diverse economies, political cultures, and social expectations while preserving stability, security, and prosperity. The emphasis remains on practical cooperation, not on reviving an exact historical model. The discussion continues to be part of a broader conversation about how neighboring states can work together to address shared challenges and opportunities, drawing lessons from European integration and applying them to local realities. The perspective underscores the importance of thoughtful reform rather than rote replication, as regions seek better mechanisms for governance, trade, and collective security. This approach aligns with the belief that progress comes from adapting established concepts to contemporary conditions rather than clinging to a fixed past. (DEA News)