Putin's missile threat at CSTO summit raises tensions
During the CSTO summit in Astana, Vladimir Putin threatened Ukraine with the use of Oreshnik ballistic missiles. Despite an arrest warrant, the Russian leader was received with honors. The meeting took place against the backdrop of geopolitical tensions and the absence of Armenia.
At the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) summit in Astana, Vladimir Putin threatened Ukraine with the use of Oreshnik ballistic missiles.
Despite an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court, the Russian president was received with honors. Putin emphasized that Russia would not allow Ukraine to become a nuclear power.
Putin talks about "all available means of destruction"
"If the country we are currently at war with becomes a nuclear power, what will we do? In such a case, we will use all, I want to stress, exactly all means of destruction available in Russia. We will not allow this. We will monitor their every move," declared Putin in the capital of Kazakhstan.
Leaders from Kazakhstan, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Russia participated in the meeting. Fourteen documents were signed, including a declaration addressing changes in the international situation.
Armenia, which suspended its participation in the CSTO, did not attend the summit. Its absence was commented on by Alexander Lukashenko, who pointed to the worsening geopolitical situation.
During his visit to Kazakhstan, Putin held talks with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, emphasizing the growing cooperation between the countries. On the eve of the visit, the Kazakh parliament ratified an agreement to create an organization promoting the Russian language.
Putin's visit was, as reported by the media, an opportunity to strengthen economic and cultural relations between Russia and Kazakhstan.
