General Yakovlev Underscores the Role of Parliaments in the Rapid Deployment of CSTO Forces

Given the unpredictable military and political situation, the CSTO continues to systematically develop its military component, paying particular attention to the integration of modern combat experience and close cooperation with national parliaments. Lieutenant General Anatoly Yakovlev, Head of the CSTO Troops (Collective Forces) Planning Department, said that in his speech at the CSTO PA session held as part of the 2026 St. Petersburg International Legal Forum.

According to General Yakovlev, the military and political situation, both globally and within the CSTO’s area of responsibility, is not improving yet and remains unpredictable. In light of emerging threats and challenges to national and collective security, the Organization’s military component is constantly evolving to respond adequately to all these developments.

Anatoly Yakovlev noted that this year, the main efforts to improve the military component are focused on implementing the priorities announced by the Russian Federation for the period of its chairmanship.

Representative of the CSTO Joint Staff pointed out that the Organization’s key areas of development include:
⦁ improving the management of the Collective Forces' components;
⦁ building the combat capabilities of national contingents;
⦁ organizing joint training;
⦁ developing the aviation component and improving the organization of air defence;
⦁ maintaining the readiness of peacekeeping forces to carry out their missions, including in UN operations;
⦁ expanding cooperation in military medicine and biosecurity.

"To enhance the combat readiness of national contingents, a series of joint exercises is planned for September–October in Russia, Belarus, and Kazakhstan. The highlight of the joint training will be a series of exercises at the training grounds in Russia’s Central Military District, the concept of which is closely tied to the large-scale strategic command-and-staff exercise Center-2026," the Lieutenant General said.

He noted that during the training, special attention is to be paid to the use of the latest types of weapons, taking into account the experience of modern armed conflicts.

Concluding his speech, Anatoly Yakovlev emphasized that the operational support provided by parliaments for the implementation of decisions made by heads of state regarding the deployment of forces and assets of the collective security system remains the most sensitive and important issue in this context.