Andrei Kartapolov: Ensuring Biological Security Along CSTO Borders Is Our Priority

Andrei Kartapolov, Chairman of the Committee on Defence of the State Duma of Russian Federation, in his speech at the thematic session of the CSTO Parliamentary Assembly on the margins of the 2026 St. Petersburg International Legal Forum stated that improving the legal framework for biological security is a priority for the Organization.

"In the current climate of global geopolitical transformation and the degradation of traditional institutions of international law, the responsibility for ensuring stability objectively falls on regional organizations. Previously established international institutions such as the UN, the OSCE, and the OPCW have lost their purpose and influence," Andrei Kartapolov pointed out.

The parliamentarian expressed concern over the operation of U.S. biological laboratories near the borders of the CSTO Member States and called for preemptive measures to prohibit the activities of military biologists from third countries on the territory of CSTO states.

"The security of our countries and our citizens is a top priority for us and it also should be for any state wishing to preserve its sovereignty and territorial integrity."