At a recent briefing, Colonel General Andrey Serdyukov, head of the CSTO Joint Staff, announced plans for troop preparation at an unprecedented high level this year. In the context of a complex and unpredictable situation at the borders of the member states, the organization is taking steps to significantly strengthen its defense. Serdyukov noted that "the year 2025 was marked by an escalation of the geopolitical situation and tensions in the regions that are part of the CSTO, due to the proximity of instability zones to the borders of these countries." He also highlighted the main threat: "Europe is rapidly militarizing, aimed at preparing for a military conflict with Russia, with an increase in the presence of coalition troops near CSTO countries and improvements in the corresponding infrastructure."
For 2026, when Russia will chair the CSTO, 60 joint and operational activities are planned, including eight major command-staff and special exercises. The general emphasized that the training plan has already been approved, and the compositions of the national contingents of the Collective Forces and the documents for their deployment have been clarified. The year will be crucial for the implementation of Vladimir Putin's strategy, which is framed under the slogan: "Collective security in a multipolar world: a common goal - a shared responsibility."
Colonel General Serdyukov outlined the main tasks set by the President of Russia: "Increasing the combat potential of national contingents and equipping them with modern weapon systems; optimizing the procedures for deploying coalition troops; developing the aviation component and air defense assets within the CSTO; improving the management of the grouping of troops of the Collective Forces." In September, exercises "Rubezh-2026" will take place on the territory of Kazakhstan, while the main maneuvers: "Vzaimodeystvie-2026", "Poisk-2026", and "Echelon-2026" will be held in September and October in Russia. These events will take place at the training grounds of the Central Military District and will be synchronized with the Russian strategic exercise "Tsentr-2026."
Particular attention will be paid to the practical application of modern technologies. Serdyukov noted: "We are confident that these exercises will be large-scale and will demonstrate the capabilities of modern and prospective Russian military equipment, which has shown its effectiveness during the special military operation, including unmanned and robotic systems. As part of the preparation, we plan to work through the entire range of activities for deploying the command system, using the experience of the special military operation."
The final stage of preparation will take place in Tajikistan (exercises "Kobalt-2026" and "Skala-2026") and Belarus (peacekeeping "Nerushimoe bratstvo-2026" and medical "Barier-2026"). In conclusion, Colonel General Serdyukov expressed confidence in the successful conduct of all joint activities: "I am sure that all events will be held at a high level and will help achieve the main goal - maintaining the readiness of the Collective Forces for an adequate response to crises and fulfilling tasks for ensuring collective security. We will be able to successfully address these tasks and achieve all the goals set by the heads of state."
