On March 3, a protocol about changes in the activities of CSTO peacekeeping was submitted to the State Duma for ratification by Russian President Vladimir Putin. The document intends to apply the concept of "Coordinating state". Thus, to participate in peacekeeping activities of the UN, collective forces must be formed under the control of the "Coordinating State"
What is behind Russia’s initiative to include the status of ‘coordinating state’ in the CSTO operations? The concept of ‘coordinating state’ in the CSTO means a state that forms collective forces under its leadership to participate in operations of the UN, Kyrgyz political scientist Murat Beyshenov told AzVision.az.
- It is of paramount importance to Moscow. In my view, this step will allow Russia to determine its forces. Here, the issue is allies. It is necessary to legalise their activities, so that they support Russia. Moscow expects that the application of this status will further speed up reactions. We hope that the reactions will be influential and will yield results. On the grounds that, Russia is isolated and left alone. There is no support from allies. So, the application of ‘coordinating state’ notion will legally strengthen the alliance. It means that states such as Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Belarus, Armenia and Tajikistan will need to participate in certain operations as in NATO format without any ‘excuse’. Therefore, this decision is of utmost significance for Russia.
Beyshenov said that Kazakhstan has experience in conducting peacekeeping operations to a certain extent. “This experience will be used. Sooner or later, this conflict and Russia’s operations will end. It is unknown what the peace will look like, but it will be different: tense and fragile. Apart from Belarus, none of the CSTO member states will agree to be involved in any activity in Ukraine. However, they can be and will be in the territories of ‘DPR’ and ‘LPR’ following military operations, negotiations and signing of an agreement,” the political scientist said.
