President Vladimir Putin wrapped up his three-day visit to Tajikistan, addressing Russia–Tajikistan cooperation, regional security, CIS+ creation, Trump’s peace initiatives, and Russia–U.S. arms control under the New START Treaty during a press briefing in Dushanbe.
Putin in Dushanbe: Russia–Tajikistan Ties, CIS+ Expansion, Trump Peace Talks, and New START Treaty Updates
Russian President Vladimir Putin concluded a significant three-day state visit to Tajikistan and attended major regional summits in Dushanbe, addressing a wide range of issues including Russia–Tajikistan cooperation, migration policies, CIS+ integration, Russia–US nuclear treaties, and global security challenges. Speaking with journalists, Putin offered detailed insights into Russia’s strategy across Central Asia and its engagement with global powers.
During his visit, Putin met with Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon for extensive negotiations that he described as “fruitful and comprehensive.” Highlighting Tajikistan’s strategic importance as a southern frontier of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), Putin emphasized that while Russia and Tajikistan do not share a direct border, their cooperation remains vital for regional security, especially in stabilizing the Tajik-Afghan border.
Putin noted that Russia continues to assist Tajikistan with border security through its stationed military base and collaboration between Russian and Tajik security personnel. He praised the current Afghan government’s attempts to normalize conditions in the country but warned that challenges remain, calling for strong Tajik border defenses.
On economic cooperation, Putin pointed to active projects in the energy and hydropower sectors, describing Tajikistan as one of the strongest hubs for hydropower generation due to its mountainous rivers. He said Russian investment and joint ventures in mining, agriculture, and cotton production were growing. Humanitarian cooperation was another highlight, with Putin stressing the importance of Russian-language education and cultural ties. He welcomed Tajikistan’s initiative to open schools teaching entirely in Russian, noting that the Russian language’s legal status in Tajikistan serves as a strong foundation for future bilateral relations.
Addressing migration, Putin said the new Russia–Tajikistan program on labor migration aims to regulate workforce flows and minimize illegal activity. He explained that both nations’ interior ministries will establish representative offices in each other’s countries to improve coordination and oversight. The Russian leader said this cooperation will “build trust and enhance law enforcement effectiveness,” helping Tajik citizens in Russia to integrate lawfully while meeting Russian workforce needs.
Turning to the broader region, Putin discussed the outcomes of the CIS and Russia–Central Asia summits. He said the CIS remains vital for maintaining a common space of logistics, industry, and culture inherited from the Soviet Union. Despite the emergence of deeper economic blocs such as the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), Putin said the CIS continues to play a key role in preserving cultural and humanitarian links.
He described the new CIS+ format, agreed upon at the summit, as a “transformation from a family gathering into a full-fledged international structure.” The initiative will invite other international partners and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) as observers, which Putin said would “strengthen both the CIS’s capacity and international standing.”
On the topic of relations with Azerbaijan, Putin dismissed the idea of a political crisis, calling it instead “a crisis of emotions” following a tragic aircraft incident. He confirmed that investigations are nearly complete and that both sides are ready to move forward. He emphasized that bilateral trade continues to grow and that the two nations share deep cultural and linguistic ties, with Russian widely spoken in Azerbaijan.
Putin also touched on global diplomacy, confirming ongoing discussions with U.S. President Donald Trump. Responding to a question about comments from a Russian diplomat suggesting the “potential of Anchorage has been exhausted,” Putin clarified that the Anchorage discussions remain a foundation for peace efforts, particularly regarding the conflict in Ukraine. He said both Moscow and Washington understand the path forward but need additional consultations.
When asked about Trump not receiving the Nobel Peace Prize, Putin refrained from judging the committee’s decision but stated that “Trump has genuinely done much to resolve complex crises.” He specifically praised U.S. efforts in the Middle East peace process, saying, “If everything Donald has sought to accomplish comes to fruition, it would be a historic event.”
Discussing Gaza, Putin reaffirmed Russia’s readiness to cooperate with Arab partners and Palestine, saying Moscow maintains “a high level of trust” with all parties. He expressed willingness for Russia to participate in working groups on humanitarian and security issues if invited, emphasizing Russia’s decades-long involvement in the Middle East peace process.
Putin also addressed his recent birthday, which he spent with Russian military commanders at the Peter and Paul Cathedral in St. Petersburg, laying flowers at the tombs of Tsars Peter the Great and Catherine the Great. He said the visit symbolized continuity between Russia’s imperial legacy and the modern state, calling Peter the Great “the founder of the contemporary Russian state.”
Among his birthday gifts, Putin received two bullet-dented icons from soldiers, which he said had saved their lives. He called them “the most valuable presents” and expressed gratitude to the servicemen who sent them.
In response to threats from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky about striking Russia with U.S. Tomahawk missiles, Putin said Russia’s response would be “the strengthening of the Russian Federation’s air defence systems.”
Regarding the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START), which expires in February 2026, Putin said Moscow remains in contact with Washington through the Foreign Ministry and the U.S. State Department. He confirmed that Russia is open to extending the treaty if the United States shows goodwill. He also noted that Russia’s nuclear deterrent systems are advancing rapidly, with several new technologies nearing successful testing.
When asked if Ukraine’s leader’s comments about trading weapons for a Nobel Peace Prize reflect a “businesslike approach,” Putin said linking arms supplies to peace awards is “absurd” and “speaks volumes about the Kiev regime’s level.”
On the question of nuclear testing, Putin clarified that he never specifically mentioned the United States but said “some countries” are preparing for tests to verify the reliability of old missile warheads. He said Russia would respond in kind if such tests occur, describing it as a security measure rather than an escalation. “A certain arms race is underway,” he acknowledged, but added that Russia’s proposal to extend New START aims to stabilize global arms control.
Putin concluded by thanking the journalists and saying, “Goodbye, thank you very much. All the best.”