Strange CSTO “peacekeeping” Exercises Have Begun In Belarus
- 11.10.2026, 15:44
Troops from the Russian Federation and contingents from four other countries are participating in the exercises.
A command-and-staff exercise involving the CSTO Collective Peacekeeping Forces, titled “Unbreakable Brotherhood—2026,” began in Vitebsk on Victory Square. Contingents from Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, and Tajikistan took part in the ceremony.
It has been officially stated that the military will practice planning and conducting a “peacekeeping operation.” However, the composition of the participants and the nature of the tasks cast doubt on whether this is solely about peacekeeping.
The exercises involve not only military units but also representatives of law enforcement agencies, the police, internal troops, and the National Guard. A separate special exercise, “Barrier-2026,” is being held, focusing on CBRN defense, medical support, and the “elimination of sources of biological threats.”
The Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Belarus—First Deputy Minister of Defense Vladimir Belyi—spoke at the ceremony in Vitebsk. He stated that the exercises are taking place “amid a global military-political crisis” and accused Western countries of preparing for a “new hot war.”
According to Bely, the level of military threat in the region is allegedly constantly rising, and the West is “interfering in the internal affairs” of CSTO member states and contributing to the prolongation of the war in Ukraine.
On the same day, the special “Barrier-2026” exercise began in Starye Dorogi. Lieutenant General Ruslan Shpekbaev, Deputy Chief of the CSTO Joint Staff, stated that law enforcement units from various countries are being involved in the joint operations.
“A distinctive feature of the upcoming exercise is that, in addition to military units, units from internal affairs agencies, the police, internal troops, and national guard forces are being involved in the joint operations,” he said.
In fact, under the guise of “peacekeeping” maneuvers, Belarus is rehearsing coordination between the CSTO’s military and security forces. Against the backdrop of Russia’s involvement in the war against Ukraine and the Lukashenko regime’s constant threats to neighboring countries, such exercises appear to be a show of force.
In total, more than 1,500 military personnel and over 300 pieces of weaponry, military equipment, and special-purpose vehicles are participating in the exercises. Approximately 80 drones of various types are also being deployed.