Astana hosted a summit of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), gathering heads of member states to discuss pressing regional and international issues. Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev chaired the session of the CSTO Collective Security Council. Attendees included Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Tajik President Emomali Rahmon, and CSTO Secretary-General Imangali Tasmagambetov.
In his address, President Tokayev highlighted the CSTO’s pivotal role in maintaining peace and stability in Eurasia. “Amid modern challenges, the CSTO consistently demonstrates its relevance as a guarantor of security for all member states. Our coordinated actions, mutual trust, and support strengthen our collective ability to tackle complex and large-scale tasks. The CSTO is not merely a military partnership but a unique mechanism that unites our efforts and resources to safeguard sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Tokayev stated.
CSTO’s Response to Kazakhstan’s 2022 Crisis
Tokayev reflected on the CSTO’s rapid deployment in January 2022, when Kazakhstan faced unrest over rising gas prices, which escalated into violent confrontations. Within 24 hours, CSTO forces were deployed to stabilize the situation. Russian troops secured strategic facilities in Almaty, while Kazakh forces restored order, marking a critical demonstration of the organization’s operational capability.
Putin Unveils “Oreshnik” Missile System
Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed ongoing tensions with Ukraine, signaling the potential use of the Oreshnik medium-range ballistic missile system in response to Western-supplied long-range missiles targeting Russian territory.
According to Putin, the Oreshnik has the destructive power of nuclear weapons, and can penetrate heavily fortified targets. “The temperature of the striking elements reaches 4,000 degrees. At the explosion’s epicenter, everything is reduced to elementary particles, essentially turning to dust,” he explained. Putin also announced that serial production of the missile had begun, with several units ready for deployment.
Kazakhstan’s Nuclear Power Project
Discussions also turned to Kazakhstan’s plans to build its first nuclear power plant. Tokayev has proposed an international consortium, and Putin expressed Russia’s willingness to participate through Rosatom, emphasizing its extensive experience with international collaborations. “Rosatom is ready to work with specialists from other countries,” Putin remarked, leaving the door open for multilateral cooperation.
Armenia’s Absence and CSTO’s Future
Noticeably absent from the summit was Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, following Armenia’s decision to freeze its CSTO membership earlier this year. Yerevan cited concerns over its sovereignty as the reason for the suspension. Secretary-General Tasmagambetov remained optimistic about Armenia’s return, calling it a valued ally.
“This is the decision of an independent and sovereign state, which no country or organization can influence. Nevertheless, we view Armenia as an ally and hope it will return to full participation in the CSTO in the foreseeable future,” Tasmagambetov stated.
Key Summit Outcomes
During the session, the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) also reflected on Kazakhstan’s presidency in 2024, highlighting significant milestones achieved under its leadership. President Tokayev reported that approximately 60 activities were conducted within the CSTO’s statutory areas of cooperation during Kazakhstan’s presidency. This included advancing coordinated approaches to key international issues in collaboration with member states, as noted by political analyst Marat Shibutov.
One of the most notable achievements of the summit was the adoption of a pivotal document over a decade in the making – a targeted interstate program for the development of the Tajik-Afghan border. Shibutov emphasized that this program will facilitate a collaborative approach among CSTO member states to enhance border security, thereby bolstering the stability of the entire Central Asian region.
Political scientist Daniyar Ashimbayev also highlighted an important remark by Russian Security Council Secretary, Sergei Shoigu, ahead of the summit. Shoigu is said to have commented that Russia’s “nuclear umbrella” extends to protecting all CSTO allies.
The CSTO countries also underscored the importance of addressing the Afghan situation. On the one hand, they acknowledged the need for economic integration and interconnection with Afghanistan, viewing this as a means to foster regional peace and stability. On the other, the formal adoption of the targeted program for the Tajik-Afghan border represents a decisive step toward enhancing collective security measures.
