Preparation for upcoming CSTO exercise in Belarus discussed

MOSCOW, 10 March (BelTA) – The CSTO Joint Staff hosted a working meeting to discuss the preparations for the upcoming Barrier 2026 exercise in Belarus, BelTA learned from the CSTO press service.

“Under the chairmanship of Lieutenant General Anatoly Yakovlev, a working meeting was held with representatives of the defense agencies of Belarus (via videoconference), Russia, and the CSTO Joint Staff. The participants discussed preparations for the Barrier 2026 exercise (scheduled for October in Belarus), the implementation of Russia’s priorities in developing military medicine and protection against biological threats, as well as the organization of research activities during the exercise involving the CSTO radiation, chemical and biological protection and medical support formation,” the press service noted.

This formation was created in 2022, taking into account the experience of the Russian Ministry of Defense in combating COVID 19, and is intended to ensure the medical and biological security of troops and to respond to mass infections. It includes specialists from all CSTO member states.

“If necessary, the formation can be deployed on the territory of any CSTO member state to ensure the protection of CSTO troops (collective forces), as well as to participate in collective response efforts in the event of large-scale and rapid spread of dangerous infectious diseases,” the press service added.