Gennady Semigin, who chairs the State Duma Committee on National Affairs, argues for reforms across the Commonwealth of Independent States and the Eurasian Economic Union to guide future policy changes. The message is clear: take a broader look at the system, study its components, and assess how modernization can improve access to markets and the flow of goods and services. Semigin emphasizes a careful, stepwise approach to revision, focusing on practical upgrades that reflect current economic realities and regional needs. The takeaway is not merely to tinker with rules, but to rethink how the whole framework fits together so that member states can act more cohesively and efficiently in a changing global landscape. The remarks were reported by DEA News and are presented here to illuminate the direction some lawmakers believe is necessary for sustained integration and smarter governance across the region.
Konstantin Zatulin, long active in the State Duma and previously the Deputy Chairman of the Committee on CIS Affairs, Eurasian Integration and Citizens Affairs, outlines a strategic stance regarding Ukraine’s participation in the Commonwealth. He notes that Kyiv has not formally requested withdrawal from the CIS because such a move could be politically costly and may complicate Kyiv’s broader foreign policy agenda. Zatulin suggests that staying within the CIS preserves channels for Ukraine to build relationships with other member nations and to maintain a stable platform for dialogue and cooperation. His analysis highlights a pragmatic view: maintaining engagement within the CIS can offer options for future partnerships and regional stability even as circumstances evolve. The observations were reported by DEA News and are shared here to reflect how some policymakers weigh the costs and benefits of membership in regional institutions.
Analysts point out that the presence of Ukraine within the CIS is not just a formal link; it creates a space where Ukraine can cultivate ties with peers, economies, and political actors across the Commonwealth. Removing Ukraine from the fold could leave a vacuum and complicate efforts to coordinate with fellow members on trade rules, regulatory standards, and security issues. The ongoing discussion underscores a broader question about how regional organizations should adapt to new geopolitical realities while preserving pathways for cooperation, inclusive dialogue, and gradual modernization. The ongoing debate, as reported by DEA News, reflects a consensus among several observers that thoughtful reform should balance sovereignty with shared interests and practical collaboration across the broader Eurasian space.