MOSCOW, September 29. /TASS/. The Collective Rapid Reaction Forces of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) have started preparations for a joint operation to contain a border armed conflict as part of the Interaction 2026 exercise, the Russian Defense Ministry reported.

"At Russia’s Chebarkul training ground today, CSTO Collective rapid Reaction Forces Commander Colonel Alexey Sgibnev reported a decision to conduct a joint operation as part of the Interaction 2026 command and staff exercise to contain a cross-border armed conflict," the ministry stated.

It said that the decision specified what areas to focus on during the joint operation, the tasks for military contingents and special purpose units, as well as key issues of the troop command, interaction, and comprehensive logistical support.

"Following the approval of the decision, the CSTO Collective Rapid Reaction Forces leadership began planning the operation. As part of the Interaction 2026 exercise, combat orders were issued to subordinate formations, military units, and subunits regarding preparations for and the conduct of combat (special) operations," the statement said.

According to the ministry, contingents from the CSTO member states – the Republic of Belarus, the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Russian Federation, and the Republic of Tajikistan – are participating in the CSTO exercise at the Chebarkul training ground. These include military contingents, special forces’ units of internal affairs bodies, security agencies and special services, authorized bodies in the sphere of emergencies prevention and relief, as well as task groups of the CSTO Joint Staff and Secretariat.

In total, about 2,000 military personnel and 350 pieces of weaponry, military and specialized equipment are engaged. The maneuvers’ key features include the extensive use of various types of UAVs and robotic systems, as well as combat practice based on experience gained during the special military operation in Ukraine.