The prevailing military-political dynamics shaping today’s world compel the member states of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) to maintain a robust and ready defense posture. Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu underscored this reality, stressing that a strong, well-prepared army is essential to respond swiftly to a range of threats that could arise in the near term. This assessment reflects a broader view held by senior defense policymakers about the need to ensure deterrence, protect sovereign interests, and support regional stability amid evolving security challenges. RIA News.
As the head of the defense ministry, Shoigu highlighted that the lessons of the Great Patriotic War endure in modern doctrine: the value of highly trained personnel, disciplined command structures, and the ability to mount rapid, decisive responses when confronted with danger. He emphasized that today’s armed forces must be equipped not only to deter aggression but also to adapt to new kinds of risk, including changes in technology, doctrine, and strategic calculus that influence the operational environment. The underlying message was clear: readiness is a continuous obligation that requires systematic training, modernization, and sustained investment.
“The current military-political situation in the world makes this necessary,” Shoigu stated during a CIS Council of Defense Ministers meeting, articulating a shared commitment among member nations to preserve security through capable defense resources. His remarks linked readiness with collective responsibility, inviting partners to consider how interoperability, coordinated planning, and joint exercises can strengthen regional resilience in the face of shifting geopolitics.
Looking ahead, Shoigu announced that on September 29 Russia and its foreign partners would begin joint preparations to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the Great Patriotic War, a milestone that serves as a reminder of endurance, sacrifice, and historical memory in guiding contemporary defense policy. The commemoration also provided a framework for reaffirming strategic ties, aligning memorial observances with ongoing security cooperation and collaboration in defense research, logistics, and training—areas seen as vital for sustaining a credible deterrent and productive international partnerships.
The Moscow representative used the occasion to invite foreign counterparts into a broader dialogue on the global agenda and cooperative opportunities within the defense sphere. He stressed the importance of expanding interaction among CIS countries, exploring new avenues for collaboration, and pooling expertise to address shared challenges. Such efforts include harmonizing standards, facilitating information exchange, and pursuing joint projects that can accelerate modernization while keeping risk exposure in check. The overarching aim remains straightforward: to nurture stable, predictable security dynamics that support peace, stability, and prosperity across the region.
In a related development, Shoigu reviewed ongoing progress at a Moscow region enterprise, where he observed the state of execution for the national defense order. That visit underscored the domestic dimension of strategic readiness—the continuous cycle of procurement, production, and quality assurance that translates strategic priorities into tangible capabilities on the ground. It also served as a reminder that security is built not only in council chambers and international forums but also through disciplined implementation of defense programs, skilled labor, and efficient industrial coordination that keeps national strengths potent and reliable.