Withdrawal of Ukraine from the CIS agreement concerning the evacuation of citizens in foreign territories
In a significant move, Ukraine has withdrawn from multiple agreements with Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries as part of a broader foreign policy realignment. This decision comes amid ongoing conflict and a rejection of cooperation frameworks seen as linked to Russia or CIS structures.
The CIS, established on December 8, 1991, by six former Soviet Republics, is a regional organization designed to promote cooperation among its member states. One of the key agreements that Ukraine has withdrawn from is the CIS agreement on coordinated evacuation of citizens from third countries during emergencies, signed in April 1996. This agreement outlined a procedure for joint action in the evacuation of citizens from third countries in case of an emergency situation. However, it appears that the 1994 document, which ensured the free transfer of pensions, alimony, benefits, court awards, and compensations between participating states through banks and postal services, was not part of this agreement.
In addition to the evacuation agreement, Ukraine has also withdrawn from the CIS agreement "On the Order of Transferring Funds to Citizens for Socially Significant Non-Trade Payments," which was terminated in mid-June 2022. Furthermore, Ukraine has withdrawn from several treaties with Russia and Belarus within the CIS framework, including agreements on mutual settlement of debts for supplied energy resources, natural gas supply terms, nuclear power plant loans, and phased abolition of free trade exemptions with Belarus.
The reasons for these withdrawals include Ukraine’s rejection of cooperation frameworks seen as linked to Russia or CIS structures amid ongoing conflict. This process is ongoing, with the Ukrainian government approving draft laws and officially confirming terminations in August 2025.
It is important to note that the 1994 document, which facilitated the transfer of funds between CIS countries, was not a part of the CIS itself. This document did not outline a procedure for joint action in the evacuation of citizens from third countries in case of an emergency situation, contrary to the 1996 agreement.
As of August 2025, the CIS consists of nine member states: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. The withdrawal process is a significant development in the relationship between Ukraine and CIS countries, and it remains to be seen how this will impact future cooperation.
References: 1. Ukraine withdraws from CIS agreements 2. Ukraine terminates participation in CIS evacuation agreement 3. Ukraine to withdraw from several CIS treaties 4. Ukraine withdraws from CIS agreement on funds transfer 5. Ukraine's broad move away from agreements connected to Russia and CIS states
- The withdrawal of Ukraine from multiple agreements with CIS countries, including the CIS agreement on coordinated evacuation of citizens from third countries and the CIS agreement "On the Order of Transferring Funds to Citizens for Socially Significant Non-Trade Payments," is a reflection of their broader foreign policy realignment in the realm of politics.
- Amidst ongoing conflict and rejection of cooperation frameworks seen as linked to Russia or CIS structures, Ukraine's decision to pull out from various CIS agreements, such as those governing energy supply terms and phased abolition of free trade exemptions with Belarus, highlights a general-news shift in their international relations.
