Servicemen of the Combined Arms Army of the Central Military District (CMD) have arrived in the Republic of Belarus to take part in the command-and-staff exercise with the CSTO Peacekeeping Forces “Indestructible Brotherhood-2026” and the special exercise with the CSTO joint NBC protection and medical support formation “Barrier-2026”.
On October 7, 2026, the Fourth Counter-Terrorism Forum opened in Minsk (Republic of Belarus), bringing together the CIS Conference on Countering Terrorism and Extremism, the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure international scientific and practical conference, and joint counter-terrorism exercises.
October 7 marks the 24th anniversary of the signing of the Charter of the Collective Security Treaty Organization, which formalized the establishment of the CSTO as an international regional organization. The goals set out in the document, including strengthening peace and stability and collectively protecting the independence, territorial integrity and sovereignty of the member states, remain the foundation for developing mutually beneficial, truly allied cooperation. On this basis, the Russian Federation is chairing the CSTO in 2026 under the motto “Collective security in a multipolar world: a common goal, shared responsibility.”
A meeting took place between CSTO Secretary General Talatbek Masadykov and Minister of Defense of Russia Andrey Belousov
09.02.2026
On 9 February 2026, a meeting took place in Moscow between CSTO Secretary General Talatbek Masadykov and Minister of Defense of Russia, Chairman of the CSTO Council of Defense Ministers Andrey Belousov.
The interlocutors exchanged views on political and security issues within the Organization’s area of responsibility and along its borders, and also held an in-depth discussion on strengthening the CSTO’s military potential.
Talatbek Masadykov informed Andrey Belousov about the progress in implementing the joint training activities planned for the current year.
During the meeting, approaches of the Ministry of Defense of Russia to the implementation of the priorities of Russia’s CSTO chairmanship in 2026 were considered.
“Under the conditions of a complex military and political environment, it is important to continue efforts to ensure the Organization’s readiness to respond adequately to emerging challenges and threats,” the Minister of Defense of the Russian Federation emphasized.
Andrey Belousov also congratulated Talatbek Masadykov on his appointment as CSTO Secretary General and expressed confidence that his tenure in this position would contribute to the further strengthening of the Organization.
“I wish you success in your future activities for the benefit of strengthening the CSTO,” he added.
