Military contingents from Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan have arrived in Russia to participate in the Collective Security Treaty Organization’s (CSTO) Interaction-2026, Search-2026 and Echelon-2026 exercises.

The maneuvers are being held at the Chebarkul training ground in Russia’s Chelyabinsk Region, according to rosbalt.

The Interaction-2026 command-and-staff exercise is focused on planning and conducting a joint operation to localize a simulated armed conflict in a border area. Search-2026 is dedicated to reconnaissance activities, while Echelon-2026 focuses on logistics and material support.

CSTO Joint Staff Chief Andrei Serdyukov said the exercises are planned activities and are not directed against third countries. According to the CSTO, their stated aim is to improve coordination between command structures and participating forces and maintain the readiness of the Collective Forces to carry out their assigned security tasks.

Representatives of the relevant ministries and agencies of Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia and Tajikistan, as well as the CSTO Joint Staff and Secretariat, took part in preparations for the exercises.