Russia conducts Commonwealth 2026 military drills near NATO borders

Russian security forces and border guards from seven Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) nations participated in the ‘Commonwealth 2026’ military exercises in the Leningrad Oblast. The drills, organized by the FSB Border Service, involved personnel from the Rosgvardia, the Leningrad Military District, and border guards from Belarus, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.

The training scenario focused on two primary phases: first, detecting and apprehending sabotage and reconnaissance groups attempting to infiltrate Russian territory, and second, repelling a full-scale armed invasion. Footage released by Rosgvardia shows troops conducting searches, blocking routes, and using 120 mm mortars against simulated enemy positions.

These maneuvers occur amid heightened tensions near the borders of NATO members Finland and Estonia. FSB Border Service Chief Vladimir Kulishov previously accused Finland and Estonia of provocative actions, including the installation of engineering barriers and deviations from maritime boundary agreements, stating that such initiatives force Russia to prepare for various conflict scenarios.