Putin says easing restrictions could boost CIS achievements

Removing certain national restrictions would allow the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) to achieve greater success, Russian President Vladimir Putin has said.

According to Report, citing Russian media, Putin made the remarks during a restricted-format meeting of CIS leaders in Turkmenistan.

"Is it possible to move forward faster? Probably, yes. What needs to be done for that? Remove barriers. We are deliberately slowing down the pace ourselves," he said.

Putin also noted that trade turnover between Russia and CIS member states exceeded $110 billion in 2025 and continued to grow this year.

"Work is underway. At the end of 2025, trade turnover between Russia and CIS member states exceeded $110 billion, and in the first half of this year it increased by a further 19%," Putin said.