CSTO military contingents arrive in Russia for joint exercises

Military contingents from Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan have arrived in Russia for a series of CSTO exercises focused on joint operations, reconnaissance and military logistics, the organization’s Joint Staff said.

The Interaction-2026, Search-2026 and Echelon-2026 drills are being held in Russia, including at the Chebarkul training range in Chelyabinsk Region. Kazakhstan’s Defence Ministry said the exercises are scheduled from September 24 to October 3, with personnel and military equipment being moved through Kazakhstan by rail as part of the preparations.

Interaction-2026, the main command-and-staff exercise, will involve training for a joint operation aimed at containing an armed conflict along a state border. Search-2026 is devoted to reconnaissance activities in support of the CSTO Collective Operational Reaction Forces, while Echelon-2026 will focus on logistical support. The exercises are being held under previously approved military training plans of the CSTO member states.

CSTO Joint Staff Chief Andrei Serdyukov has described the manoeuvres as planned exercises that are not directed against third countries. Their stated purpose is to strengthen coordination between command structures and military units and maintain the readiness of the Collective Forces to carry out their assigned security tasks.

Preparatory staff talks involved representatives of the defence and other relevant government agencies of Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia and Tajikistan, as well as the CSTO Joint Staff and Secretariat.

By Tamilla Hasanova