Imangali Tasmagambetov: CSTO Observes the Situation in Europe

In an interview with Izvestia, Imangali Tasmagambetov, CSTO Secretary General, said that sending European military contingents to Ukraine could create a dangerous situation in the region.

“The CSTO is closely watching the development of the situation in Europe in connection with the adjustment of the US foreign policy. However, the Organization's analysts are inclined to consider Friedrich Merz's statement as an element of election rhetoric. In addition, it is necessary to distinguish between the strategy of European states as part of NATO and their initiatives in bilateral relations. That taken into account, contacts between Berlin and Paris are not without problems on a number of issues. The French political leadership seeks to strengthen the state's position in Europe by imposing security services through its strategic nuclear forces. However, US nuclear weapons are based in Germany. Therefore, it is doubtful that German political forces will easily agree to the initiative of Paris,” Imangali Tasmagambetov noted.

He also expressed concern about NATO's activity in the immediate vicinity of the Organization's area of responsibility.

In March, Norway hosts the largest military exercises in 2025, Joint Viking, with the participation of servicemen from seven NATO states.

“Specifically these exercises do not directly threaten the activities of the structure. At the same time, after the admission of Sweden and Finland, NATO activity cannot but cause concern, as we are talking about increasing the frontal contact line between the zones of responsibility of the two military and political alliances by 1.5 thousand kilometers. Such concern is natural and understandable,” the CSTO Secretary General explained.

In addition, Imangali Tasmagambetov pointed out that the next session of the Collective Security Council of the Organization will be held in November in Kyrgyzstan on the suggestion of Sadyr Japarov, President of the Republic of Kyrgyzstan, as Chairman of the CSTO CSC in 2025.