Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed leaders at the traditional CIS New Year meeting in St. Petersburg, highlighting stronger economic integration, growing use of national currencies, and expanding trade that reached nearly $90 billion in 2025. Putin stressed cooperation on security, counter-terrorism, and protecting shared borders, while also underlining cultural and humanitarian ties rooted in shared history. He called for preserving historical memory, including new archival initiatives on the Great Patriotic War, and reaffirmed support for a UN-centered world order as the CIS prepares for Turkmenistan’s presidency.