Putin issues missile threat at CSTO summit amid tensions

During the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) summit in Astana, Vladimir Putin threatened Ukraine with the use of Oreshnik ballistic missiles.

Despite the arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court, the Russian president was received with honours. Putin emphasised that Russia will not allow Ukraine to become a nuclear power.

"If the country which we are essentially at war with now becomes a nuclear power, what do we do? In this case, we will use all, I want to emphasise this, precisely all means of destruction available to Russia. Everything: we will not allow it. We'll be watching 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 considering 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, pointing to the worsening geopolitical situation.

During his visit to Kazakhstan, Putin held talks with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, highlighting the growing cooperation between the countries. On the eve of the visit, the Kazakh parliament ratified an agreement to create an organisation 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.