Russia has proposed a comprehensive programme to equip the forces of the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) with modern weaponry, aimed at strengthening collective security across the Eurasian region.

President Vladimir Putin emphasised that the initiative extends beyond rearmament to include joint training of military units and intelligence services, regular exercises, the development of air capabilities, enhancements to air defence systems, and the refinement of mechanisms for deploying peacekeeping forces.

A particular focus at the summit was the protection of the organisation’s western borders.

The Security Council of Belarus noted that the deployment of the new “Oreshnik” missile system on its territory is specifically aimed at the western direction, signalling concern over developments at the CSTO’s frontiers and a desire to ensure collective defence in this strategically sensitive sector.

The CSTO summit took place in Bishkek under the chairmanship of Kyrgyzstan’s President Sadyr Japarov. Leaders from Russia, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Belarus attended, alongside representatives of the organisation’s secretariat.

Key topics included coordination of collective security, reform of the organisation’s leadership structure for the coming years, and enhancing the effectiveness of the alliance.

The summit confirmed the appointment of Kyrgyzstan’s Taaltbek Masadykov as CSTO Secretary General from the start of next year.

At the same time, Armenia again did not send a delegation, maintaining its suspended participation in 2024.

Deputy Foreign Minister Mnatsakan Safaryan explained that while the country does not participate in decision-making or the adoption of documents, it does not obstruct the CSTO’s work, adhering instead to a foreign policy guided by national interests, diversification, and balance.

He emphasised that, at this stage, Armenia is not considering leaving the CSTO, leaving the door open for a potential return to full participation in the future.

The summit also adopted the Declaration of the Council of Collective Security and a series of documents aimed at improving the organisation’s functioning.

These included an anti-narcotics strategy, a five-year plan for military cooperation, and measures to expand partnerships with other international organisations, including the CIS and SCO.

The next summit, over which Russia will once again preside, is scheduled for the  11th  of November next year in Moscow.

This schedule underlines Moscow’s determination to play an active role in shaping the organisation’s future agenda and its intention to continue integrating and modernising the collective security forces across Eurasia.

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