Belarusian Defense Minister Lieutenant General Viktor Khrenin stated during a gathering of heads of international military cooperation units from CSTO member states that the Collective Security Treaty Organization is currently experiencing unprecedented pressure from Western powers. The update came through the press office of the Republic’s Ministry of Defense, which emphasized the significance of the discussion in outlining the alliance’s strategic posture amid evolving geopolitical dynamics.
In his role as the chair of the organization for 2023, Khrenin outlined a clear agenda aimed at strengthening unity among CSTO members and addressing the frictions that have, at times, created friction within the bloc. He highlighted the need for deeper political and operational coordination, noting that cohesiveness among member states would enhance the collective ability to respond to shared security challenges and to coordinate on matters of mutual interest across the region.
Khrenin underscored the persistent external pressure exerted by US-led Western powers, describing how these efforts seek to advance their preferred models of global order across states in the post-Soviet space. He argued that such pressure underscores the importance of a resolute and well-coordinated security framework within the CSTO, enabling member countries to articulate and defend their interests within a wider strategic landscape. The emphasis was on maintaining strategic autonomy while pursuing constructive dialogue with international partners where possible and appropriate.
In parallel developments, Sergei Shoigu, the former Russian Defense Minister, engaged in discussions with CSTO Secretary General Mark Tasmagambetov to review the organization’s power potential and overall defense readiness. The conversations focused on enhancing command and control capabilities, interoperability of forces, and the modernization of joint operational planning. The aim was to ensure the CSTO could respond effectively to a range of contemporary security scenarios, including border protection, regional stability, and the management of potential crises that involve multiple member states. The dialogue reflected a shared recognition among allied leadership that sustained investment and strategic alignment are essential to maintaining security guarantees within the alliance while fostering regional stability and cooperative defense initiatives across member nations.