CSTO Clarifies Tasmagambetov's Comments on Possible Assistance to Russia

Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) spokesperson Natalia Kharitonova has clarified the organization's position following Secretary General Tasmagambetov's statement about possible assistance to Russia if European countries deploy military contingents to Ukraine:

If European countries bring military contingents into Ukraine, new security risks will inevitably arise in the region. This cannot but worry individual member states of the organization (and the organization itself as well)

The Secretary-General also spoke about this, but Kharitonova added that this would happen "in full compliance with the decisions and charter documents of the Collective Security Council."

Imangali Tasmagambetov had stated in an interview with Isveztia that the EU has previously discussed sending European troops to Ukraine. Still, such initiatives have not been implemented due to high risks.

So far, these contingents are not officially present in Ukraine, largely because their deployment could create a highly dangerous regional situation. Additionally, European populations — already burdened by economic and social challenges — are unlikely to support such decisions by their governments. Even if these troops are assigned non-combat roles, such as policing or observation, it would still impose additional costs on society,  said the CSTO Secretary General.

In his opinion, even if European contingents are not involved in combat operations, their presence will increase tensions.

The Secretary-General emphasized that if such risks emerge, the CSTO will consider possible forms of support, but only within statutory norms.

Original Author: Ruslan Loginov