CSTO military exercises begin in Belarus

The Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) has commenced joint military exercises in Belarus, titled ‘Indestructible Brotherhood-2026’ and ‘Barrier-2026’. The maneuvers began on October 11, with opening ceremonies held in Vitebsk and Staryya Darohi.

More than 1,500 military personnel from Belarus, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan are participating. The exercises involve over 300 units of weapons and equipment, including approximately 80 drones. The Russian contingent includes units from the Central Military District, such as motorized rifle, reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and unmanned systems operators.

The drills focus on two primary objectives: practicing multinational peacekeeping operations and responding to biological, chemical, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) threats. Training is being conducted at the Losvido and Starodorozhsky training grounds. While the CSTO leadership states the exercises are not directed against third countries, the maneuvers highlight the alliance's operational capabilities despite Armenia's continued absence from such activities.