Commonwealth of Independent States: Questions raised on relevance of mechanism

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Representatives of eight members and associates of the Commonwealth of Independent States will discuss plans for a joint air defense system during a meeting in the Russian city of Astrakhan. The 47th committee meeting will gather together delegations from the defense ministries of Russia, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. Julia Lyubova reports from Moscow.

When the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, a new block was created combining 11 former Soviet Republics- the Commonwealth of Independent States, or the CIS. 25 years on, questions are being raised about the relevance of the organisation.

SERGEY STROKAN POLITICAL ANALYST The primary purpose of the CIS was seen as to complete the disintegration of the Soviet Union. At another point of history the CIS has made a recent attempt to reinvent itself and to pose in a new shape, a new capacity as an instrument of integration.

The future of the CIS was put in doubt when Ukraine declared in 2014 that it was quitting the bloc. The insurgency-plagued Ukraine had been due to chair the CIS in 2014 but resigned shortly after Russia's annexation of Crimea.

SERGEY STROKAN POLITICAL ANALYST The departure of Ukraine - and the process has already been set in motion - would put a final nail into the coffin of the CIS since Ukraine initially was seen as one of the major players, Eurasian power which should play a key role in building bridges between post-Soviet southern countries comprised from ex-Soviet Asian republics and the European parts.

While some of the CIS countries want a way out, others are keen to build ties. This September, the CIS is holding joint military drills involving more than 2000 servicemen and over 200 pieces of combat and special hardware. The Combat Commonwealth exercises takes place for the 12th time and are held every two years.

JULIA LYUBOVA MOSCOW Back in 2005 Russian President Vladimir Putin referred to the CIS as a form of a 'civilized divorce' for former Soviet states. However, in recent years the Kremlin has launched a fresh reintegration campaign for the ex-Soviet space, by creating more blocks like the Customs Union of Russia and the Eurasian Economic Union. JL, CGTN, Moscow.