CSTO Military Exercises Kick Off in Russia

According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, joint military exercises by the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), including the “Interaction-2026” command and staff exercise, “Search-2026” special reconnaissance exercise, and “Supply-2026” logistical support exercise, have begun in Russia. This is according to data published by the Mehr News Agency, citing TASS.

The Russian Ministry of Defense announced that the opening ceremony for these exercises took place on Sunday at the Chebarkul training ground in Russia. Attendees at the ceremony included Andrey Serdyukov, Chief of the Joint Staff of the CSTO and a Colonel General in the Russian Army; Mirlan Turgunbekov, Deputy Secretary General of the Organization; commanders of military units from member states; and invited officials.

Serdyukov stated during the ceremony, “The main training event of the year is starting today on Russian soil.” He added that the joint command and staff exercise “Interaction-2026” will be held alongside the specialized exercises “Search-2026” and “Supply-2026.” The CSTO was established in 2002 with the aim of strengthening defense and security cooperation among several former Soviet countries. Its current members include Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. Armenia is also an official member, although it has suspended its participation in the organization’s activities. The organization was formed based on the Collective Security Treaty of 1992, and its headquarters are located in Moscow.