Russia and Belarus Lead Push for New Pan-Eurasian Security Charter

Foreign ministers Sergey Lavrov and Maxim Ryzhenkov are positioning the charter as an "umbrella" framework, drawing comparisons to existing continental forums in Africa and Latin America. Unlike existing sub-regional blocs, this initiative seeks to provide a singular platform for all Eurasian nations to exchange views on security, economic connectivity, and humanitarian ties. The project is explicitly designed to operate without external interference, emphasizing a consensus-based approach to decision-making.

An expert group has been formed to spearhead the drafting process, with Belarus overseeing negotiations and hosting the first in-person session by the end of 2026. While the core group includes nations such as Vietnam, Iran, Kazakhstan, and Tajikistan, organizers stress that the process remains open to any Eurasian state that wishes to join at later stages. According to the stated timeline, the goal is to finalize the document by October 2027, culminating in a leaders' summit in Minsk to formally adopt the charter. Negotiations will be conducted in English, with participants retaining the right to propose amendments or withdraw from the process at any point without prejudice to their existing international obligations.