Russia and China practiced an offensive operation and the establishment of a “security zone” in the territory of a Central Asian republic during the Center-2026 military exercises.

The drills involve 47,000 military personnel, 2,000 pieces of military equipment, 90 aircraft and 77 ships and vessels, according to korrespondent.net.

Military contingents from Belarus, China, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Pakistan and Tajikistan are taking part in the exercises.

Russian President Vladimir Putin visited the Chebarkul training range, accompanied by a military helicopter.

Several sections of roads in the region were closed for three days during his visit, with the city of Chebarkul reportedly isolated from surrounding areas.

Russian Deputy Defense Minister Yunus-Bek Yevkurov, reporting to Putin on the progress of the drills, said the troops were practicing not only repelling an attack but also “creating a security zone in adjacent territories.”

According to the official scenario outlined by Russia’s Defense Ministry, the exercises are focused on repelling aggression along the Central Asian strategic direction and ensuring security in the Caspian region.

Kazakhstan could fit the description of the simulated “aggressor country” because it has access to the Caspian Sea and shares a border with Russia’s Chelyabinsk Region.

However, the identity of the country referred to in the military scenario was not officially specified.