Vladimir Putin urges CIS countries to remove trade barriers

Russian President Vladimir Putin called on Commonwealth of Independent States members to remove trade barriers on October 9, saying national restrictions were holding back the pace of economic cooperation.

Speaking at a restricted-format meeting in the Avaza tourism zone in Turkmenistan, Putin linked further trade growth to removing obstacles imposed at national level. He argued that the countries could achieve stronger economic results by continuing to reduce those restrictions.

Putin also set out figures for Russia’s trade with CIS countries. He said turnover exceeded $110 billion in 2025 and increased by a further 19% in the first six months of 2026. The figures concern Russia’s trade with members of the grouping.

His call came as that trade continued to expand. Putin acknowledged the practical work being done by national leaders, but said restrictions introduced by the countries themselves limited how quickly their economic ties could develop.