Since January 1 Russia Begins its CSTO Chairmanship

On January 1, Russian Federation assumed the chairmanship of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO). The chairmanship of the CSTO works on a rotation basis, each Member State presiding over the Organization for one year.

On November 27, 2025, at the CSTO summit in Bishkek, Russian President Vladimir Putin outlined the priorities for Russia's chairmanship of the CSTO in 2026.

During the year of Russia's chairmanship, Moscow will host an international expert forum dedicated to the formation of an architecture of equal and indivisible security in Eurasia.

Furthermore, the CSTO's efforts will be focused on improving the combat readiness of national contingents and the management of the Collective Forces.

In 2026, a large-scale program will be launched to equip collective forces with modern Russian weapons and equipment that have proven their effectiveness in real combat operations.

Cooperation between countries is to be developed to ensure the CSTO's technological leadership in the military sphere. Particular emphasis will be placed on deepening cooperation between defence industry enterprises.

Russia is to begin joint preparation of a new CSTO anti-terrorism strategy, continue working on identifying and eliminating international terrorist groups and their cells and cutting off their financing channels.

As you may recall, 2026 is an anniversary year for the CSTO Parliamentary Assembly. On November 16, the Assembly will celebrate its 20th anniversary.