Russia to Prioritize Combat Readiness and Command Control During 2026 CSTO Chairmanship
Bishkek: Russian President Vladimir Putin today unveiled a bold initiative at the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) summit, proposing a comprehensive, large-scale program to equip the alliance’s collective forces with modern weapons.
Highlighting the proven effectiveness of Russian arms in real combat scenarios, Putin stressed Moscow’s commitment to fortifying the military potential of its CSTO partners. “We propose launching a large-scale program to equip our collective forces with modern weapons and equipment that have demonstrated their effectiveness in real combat,” he assured the gathered leaders.
Speaking about Russia’s upcoming chairmanship of the organization in 2026, Putin stated that efforts will be concentrated on two main goals: boosting the combat readiness of national contingents and enhancing the command and control of collective forces.
Putin affirmed that Russia will “do its utmost to maintain continuity” in cooperation, basing its presidency on principles of “genuine alliance, friendship, and good-neighborliness.” Russia’s 2026 chairmanship will operate under the motto, Collective Security in a Multipolar World: Common Goal – Shared Responsibility.