At the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) summit held in Bishkek, Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed launching a large-scale program to equip the organization's Collective Forces with modern Russian weapons and equipment that have already proven effective, according to Fergana News.
Putin also advocated for expanding joint training of military and special units, including new phases of the “Interaction,” “Echelon,” and “Search” exercises. He emphasized the need to strengthen air force capabilities and air defense systems.
The Russian leader highlighted the importance of improving the effectiveness of the CSTO Coordination Council on Biosafety and expressed readiness to share Russia’s experience in military medicine. During Russia’s chairmanship, the CSTO plans to draft a new counterterrorism strategy and continue efforts to dismantle international terrorist structures and cut off their funding.
Other priorities outlined include enhancing information security and combating drug trafficking.
Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov, summing up his country’s chairmanship, noted that over the past year, the CSTO strengthened its international profile, expanded military-technical cooperation, and held major military exercises.
Tajik President Emomali Rahmon described the global situation as tense and supported efforts to deepen military cooperation and implement a counter-narcotics strategy for 2026–2030. He also expressed hope for the timely implementation of a program to strengthen the Tajik-Afghan border and proposed establishing a Humanitarian Response Center in Tajikistan.
Rahmon emphasized the importance of rapid information exchange and technological development — including AI — in counterterrorism efforts.
During the summit, the CSTO saw a leadership change: Imangali Tasmagambetov was succeeded as Secretary-General by Taalatbek Masadykov. The meeting concluded with the signing of several documents, including the Collective Security Council Declaration and resolutions on the organization’s 2026 budget and information policy.
The next CSTO summit will be held on November 11, 2026, in Moscow.
The CSTO is a regional intergovernmental organization comprising Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, and Tajikistan, with the primary goal of protecting member states from external armed aggression. In 2024, Armenia suspended its participation in the bloc and announced its intention to withdraw.
