OREANDA-NEWS. Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed granting the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) observer status in the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO). In his opinion, this "would be appropriate and correct."

In this context, we should build up cooperation with our natural partners — the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the Commonwealth of Independent States. It would be appropriate and correct to grant the CIS observer status at the CSTO,” Putin said.

The head of state stressed the importance of cooperation in the post-Soviet space between CSTO members, including within the UN and other international platforms.

During his speech at the summit, President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko announced the threat of "dismemberment of Ukraine", which comes from the West. According to him, for this, Western countries sent units "under the guise of peacekeepers" to the country.

Earlier, Belarusian Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin said that the Collective Security Treaty Organization would expand. He noted that dozens of countries can join the CSTO organization, since the organization has demonstrated its combat readiness and peacefulness.