Russian militaries arrive in Belarus for CSTO military drills 

Belarusian Hajun reports this.

“Around 07:30 today, another group of Russian military personnel arrived in Brest,” according to the provided information.

These Russians are in Belarus to join in joint training with the CSTO's rapid response forces, scheduled from September 1 to 6.

During this period, training exercises will happen in Belarus for various purposes:

• "Poisk-2023" focusing on intelligence forces.

• "Eshelon-2023" involves troops for material and technical support.

• "Barier-2023" with a combined unit for radiation, chemical, and biological defense, alongside medical support.

• "Skala-2023" with units from the Ministry of Emergency Situations.

The CSTO, or Collective Security Treaty Organization, is an international military-political alliance involving Belarus, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, and Tajikistan. Established on May 15, 1992, its purpose is to tackle regional military and political threats, including combating illegal drug trafficking.

Unlike NATO, there are no specific prerequisites for joining the CSTO. Membership doesn't require meeting democratic standards or having an overhauled economy and legal system. Russian authorities are positioning the CSTO as a viable alternative to NATO and actively aiming to bolster its role in global affairs. Since December 2004, the CSTO has held observer status in the UN General Assembly.

• On August 18, the initial contingent of Russian troops arrived in Belarus for drills; CSTO also involves Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. 

• Lieutenant General Serhiy Nayev, Commander of the United Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, expressed concerns about potential provocations along the northern borders due to the CSTO exercises.