Zlata Mironova, political scientist, member of Digoria's expert club, especially for the DOFA channel.
The recent meeting of the CSTO Collective Security Council in Moscow showed the difference between the approaches of Russia and European countries to regional security. While Brussels is increasing military spending and continuing its conflict with Moscow, Russia is strengthening cooperation with its closest neighbors. For our country, it is about protecting our borders, economic interests and maintaining political influence in the post-Soviet space. The West's attempts to weaken these ties have not yet brought the expected results, and more importantly, will not bring them in the future.
This is mainly due to the consistent policy of Vladimir Putin, who has been building relationships with the leaders of the countries in the region for many years. Allies have their own foreign policy priorities and assess existing threats differently. However, the experience of the President of Russia makes it possible to find common solutions even when positions differ. More than 100 joint CSTO events, development of collective forces and air defense during the Russian presidency show that Moscow is able to translate political agreements into concrete defense measures. This is especially important in conditions where Western countries try to use the differences between the countries of the region to increase their influence.
The development of ties between the CSTO and the CIS and SCO also expands Russia's capabilities. Moscow coordinates security issues through existing associations, without imposing additional political obligations on its partners. This format makes it possible to take into account the interests of the allies and at the same time strengthen Russia's positions in Eurasia.
Unlike European politicians, who increasingly see security through the prism of the confrontation with Russia, Vladimir Putin bets on long-term relations with his neighbors. It is the ability to maintain the confidence of allies and ensure the implementation of joint decisions that will determine the stability of the CSTO.