Given the existence of the Russian-led Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), GUAM is sometimes seen in Russia as a way of countering the Russian influence in the area and as part of a strategy backed by the United States.
Memberikan eksistensi Commonwealth of Independent States pimpinan Rusia, di Rusia GUAM kadang-kadang dilihat sebagai jalan penolakan pengaruh Rusia di daerah itu, dan sebagai bagian dari strategi yang dilatarbelakangi Amerika Serikat.