At a briefing, the Chief of the Joint Staff of the CSTO, Colonel General Andrey Serdyukov, shared plans for extensive troop training this year. In the context of the unstable situation at the borders of the member states, the organization is enhancing its defense capabilities. Serdyukov noted that "2025 was marked by an increase in geopolitical tension and a deterioration of the situation in the regions covered by the CSTO, against the backdrop of instability zones approaching these countries." He emphasized the main threat: "The militarization of Europe is rapidly continuing, aimed at preparing for confrontation with Russia, considering the increased presence of coalition troops near the borders of CSTO countries and the improvement of the corresponding infrastructure."
In 2026, during Russia's chairmanship in the CSTO, 60 joint and operational training events will be implemented, including eight major exercises, both command-staff and special in nature. The general emphasized that the training plan has already been approved, and the composition of the national contingents of the Collective Forces and documents for their deployment have been prepared. The year will be key for implementing President Vladimir Putin's strategy, defined by the motto: "Collective security in a multipolar world: a common goal - a shared responsibility."
Serdyukov highlighted the key tasks set by the President of Russia: "Increasing the combat potential of national contingents, equipping them with modern weapons; optimizing the procedures for deploying coalition groupings; developing the air component and air defense systems within the CSTO; improving the command of the grouping of the Collective Forces." In September, exercises "Rubezh-2026" are planned on the territory of Kazakhstan, and in September-October, the largest maneuvers in Russia will take place: "Interaction-2026," "Poisk-2026," and "Echelon-2026," which will be held at the training grounds of the Central Military District and will be related to the Russian strategic exercise "Center-2026."
Great attention will be paid to the implementation of the latest technologies. Andrey Serdyukov noted: "We expect these exercises to be large-scale, demonstrating the capabilities of modern and prospective military equipment of Russia, which has proven its effectiveness during the special military operation, including unmanned and robotic systems. To improve the management of the CSTO contingents during the preparation and conduct of exercises, it is planned to practically work out the entire range of activities for deploying the command system, taking into account the experience of the special military operation."
The final stage of preparation will take place in Tajikistan (exercises "Cobalt-2026" and "Rock-2026") and in Belarus (peacekeeping "Unbreakable Brotherhood-2026" and medical "Barrier-2026"). In conclusion, Colonel General Serdyukov expressed confidence in success: "I am convinced that all joint activities will be carried out at a high level in the interests of achieving the main goal - maintaining the readiness of the Collective Forces to adequately respond to crisis situations and fulfill tasks for ensuring collective security. I am confident that through our joint efforts we will successfully cope with the tasks set and achieve the goals defined by the heads of state."
