CSTO promises planned drills, says no threat to third countries

The Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) has stressed that its planned military exercises in 2026 are not directed against any third countries and are intended to strengthen the readiness and coordination of member states’ forces.

CSTO Joint Staff Chief, Colonel General Andrei Serdyukov, made the remarks at a briefing, emphasizing the defensive and collective-security purpose of the organization’s military activities.

“All ongoing activities and exercises are planned, are not directed against third countries, and are aimed at improving the coordination of command bodies and troops, as well as maintaining the readiness of the forces and assets to carry out their designated tasks in the interests of ensuring collective security,” Serdyukov said.

He added that more than 5,000 military personnel and over 1,000 units of weapons, military equipment and special-purpose equipment are expected to take part in joint CSTO exercises in 2026.

By Vafa Guliyeva