Russia and allies launch military exercises in Belarus
Two military exercises, Indestructible Brotherhood 2026 and Barrier 2026, began in Belarus on 12 October with Russia and other members of the Collective Security Treaty Organisation. They will last until 16 October.
Two military exercises, Indestructible Brotherhood 2026 and Barrier 2026, started in Belarus on 12 October. Russia and other allies from the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) are taking part. The CSTO is a Russian-led military alliance of several former Soviet republics. The drills will run until 16 October.
Participants
According to the CSTO website, contingents of collective forces from Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia and Tajikistan are involved. They include military units, units of internal affairs agencies (police) and national guards, as well as operational groups from the CSTO Joint Staff and Secretariat. The Russian contingent consists mainly of units from a combined-arms army of the Central Military District.
More than 1,500 military personnel and over 300 pieces of weapons, military and special equipment are taking part, including about 80 different types of drones.
Purpose and location
The CSTO describes the exercises as training for "peacekeeping operations". Among other things, participants will practise measures to "address biological threats". The drills are held at the Losvido and Starodorozhsky training grounds.
Earlier context
Belarus's Ministry of Defence previously announced that exercises for units on the combat deployment of nuclear weapons began in the country on 18 May. They are being carried out in coordination with Russian military forces.
