Russia will begin chairing the CSTO in 2026

From January 1, 2026, Russia began chairing the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO). This was reported by Zamin.uz.

In this regard, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov announced the main priorities during the organization's chairmanship. According to Lavrov, Russia will lead the chairmanship under the slogan “Collective security in a multipolar world: a single goal, shared responsibility.”

He stated that within the CSTO, member states strive to work together to defend common approaches to international security. Lavrov emphasized the main principles of the organization's activities as peaceful coexistence, resolving conflicts through political-diplomatic means, and the decisive role of the UN based on international legal norms.

Russia plans to work jointly with partner states in shaping the security architecture in the Eurasian region. The CSTO is seen as one of the key pillars of this system.

Lavrov also stressed that the CSTO is not directed against third countries and is not aggressive in nature. According to him, all decisions within the organization are made by consensus and are based on mutual respect, balance of interests, and principles of good neighborliness.

Continuing initiatives developed during Kyrgyzstan's previous chairmanship, Russia aims to develop the main directions of cooperation. In the context of geopolitical tensions, Russia seeks to strengthen alliance ties among CSTO states and maintain stability in the region.

He defined the organization's main task as ensuring the secure development and prosperity of member states. At the same time, plans include enhancing the CSTO's capacity for the use of force, modernizing armaments, and strengthening combat capabilities.

Russia intends to strengthen cooperation in protection against biological threats, information security, development of defense-industrial complexes, and activation of innovative potential. Special attention will also be given to combating international terrorism, extremism, illegal migration, and arms trafficking.

Lavrov emphasized the necessity of strengthening cooperation among the parliaments of CSTO member states. The 20th anniversary of the CSTO Parliamentary Assembly will be celebrated in 2026.

According to Lavrov, this assembly plays an important role in forming the organization's legal framework. He expressed readiness to cooperate closely and effectively with CSTO states during the chairmanship.

He noted that through this, the organization's activities could reach a new qualitative level.