CSTO announces readiness for large-scale military exercises

The head of the CSTO Joint Staff, Colonel-General Andrei Serdyukov, reported the completion of preparations by command bodies and collective security forces for joint maneuvers. In the context of intense confrontation between 'power centers,' key exercises will take place in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. Major drills include 'Interaction-2026' — the main command-staff exercise in late September at the Central Military District range (Russia), preceded by special exercises 'Search-2026' and 'Echelon-2026.' The joint exercise 'Rubezh-2026' with Central Asian regional rapid response forces will be held in the second decade of September at the 'Koktal' range (Kazakhstan), linked with the command-staff exercise 'Resolute Response-2026.' The 'Unbreakable Brotherhood-2026' command-staff exercise with CSTO peacekeeping forces will take place in mid-October at the 'Losvido' range (Belarus). The CSTO special exercise 'Barrier-2026' will be held at the 'Starodorožskiy' range (Belarus). Over 5,000 personnel and more than 1,000 units of equipment will participate. National contingents will be deployed via air, rail, and road transport.