Lukashenko, Putin Discuss CIS Future, Emphasize Economic Cooperation

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko and Russian President Vladimir Putin have discussed the future of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) at a summit in Dushanbe. Lukashenko emphasized the importance of preserving the economic space of the former Soviet Union for political, diplomatic, and military cooperation among CIS countries.

Lukashenko acknowledged that restoring the USSR is impossible but stressed the need to maintain its economic space. He called for expanding interaction among CIS countries without any closed topics. Meanwhile, Putin expressed regret for the collapse of the Soviet Union, stating it was a tragedy for millions of people. He believes Russia should not be held back by the past and knows where it needs to go. Putin emphasized the need for a clear understanding of what happened in the past.

The summit, attended by the presidents of Belarus, Russia, and other CIS countries, discussed the future of the organization. While Putin did not propose a restoration of the Soviet Union at this meeting, there have been past discussions and proposals regarding its revival, although not in this specific context. The CIS, established after the Soviet Union's collapse, aimed to maintain political and economic cooperation among former Soviet republics. The idea of restoring the Soviet Union in its original form has been controversial and not widely supported.

The CIS summit in Dushanbe saw leaders, including Lukashenko and Putin, discuss the future of the organization. While the idea of restoring the Soviet Union remains contentious, preserving its economic space and cooperation among former Soviet republics were emphasized.