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.”
Preparatory talks held for the CSTO CRRF Special Forces exercise “Cobalt 2026”
11.06.2026
On June 9, 2026, with the participation of Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan, Major General of Militia Gairatsho Gulomsho Muborakshozoda, the second round of staff talks was held on the preparation and conduct of the special exercise “Cobalt 2026” involving the special operations units of the CSTO Collective Rapid Reaction Forces (CRRF).
The talks were attended by representatives of ministries and agencies of the Republic of Belarus, the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Russian Federation, the Republic of Tajikistan, as well as the Secretariat of the Collective Security Treaty Organization.
During the meeting, the participants discussed the timing, venue, and organizational arrangements for the joint exercise. The parties reviewed key issues related to the coordination of activities, comprehensive support measures, and interaction among participants in preparation for the upcoming exercise.
