Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) summit has started first with meetings in Astana.

Mr.Lavrov’s comments are as usual pragmatic, but there is a surprise there.  Let’s take a look at the summary:

FM Sergey Lavrov’s opening remarks at a meeting with Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov and Foreign Minister of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan, October 14

(https://mid.ru/en/foreign_policy/news/1833829/)

Several different events are being held here, offering us an opportunity to meet on the sidelines of international events to discuss regional issues, including relations between our close friends, Armenia and Azerbaijan, in the context of the agreements reached on November 9, 2020 and on January 11 and November 26, 2021.

These statements, which were signed at the highest level, provided the basis for settling all aspects of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan and establishing a lasting peace and stability in the South Caucasus.

☝️ Of special importance is the coordination of a peace treaty, which will complement the agreements on unblocking economic and transport links and on delimitation through the establishment of a bilateral Azerbaijan-Armenia commission with consultative assistance provided by Russia.

The Azerbaijan-Armenia issues are clearly being taken out of everyone else’s hands, but I am sure consultations were held with Iran.

Pres. Putin’s comments also contain a surprise.   Here is a summary

❗️President Putin at CICA summit in Astana:

📍 Despite sanctions pressure, Russian trade with CIS increased by 7% in first half of 2022
📍Growing mutual interest in CIS on development of green economy, digitalization, innovations, and integrated and rational use of natural resources
📍 Actively working on import substitution and strengthening technological sovereignty
📍 Efforts being made to switch to national currencies in mutual settlements
📍 Number of joint documents and decisions aimed at deepening integration in various fields have been prepared
📍Putin proposes declaring 2025 the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War and Year of Peace and Unity in fight against Nazism in CIS

Take a look at that final point.  Are they expecting that Ukraine will be solved, as well as the Nazi problem in Europe?  That is a huge big ask, if you ask me.