Putin outlines key priorities for CSTO during Russia’s chairmanship

Russian President Vladimir Putin outlined the key priorities for the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) during Russia’s upcoming one-year chairmanship in 2026, emphasizing closer cooperation among member states and the development of their defence-industrial sectors.

His remarks came following a visit to Kyrgyzstan and the CSTO summit held in the country, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

“There are many priorities. This includes improving our cooperation and aligning the capabilities of the defence-industrial sectors of member states. Since the Soviet era, deep cooperation has been established. We provide preferential terms for the acquisition of our weapons and equipment for CSTO countries. All of this works, and it works quite effectively,” Putin said, highlighting the organization’s ongoing collaborative initiatives.

The Russian president also stressed that Moscow is ready to share its latest defence industry developments and technologies with partner countries, signaling a continued commitment to collective security and technological integration.

In addition, Putin noted that strengthening the CSTO’s administrative structures would be a critical focus. “It is bureaucratic work, but it is important, considering that each country is interested in minimizing costs and increasing the efficiency of cooperation,” he added, underscoring the importance of operational efficiency within the alliance.

By Vafa Guliyeva