Russia, Belarus and CSTO allies launch military drills involving 1,500 troops and biological defense training
Belarus has launched joint military exercises with Russia and three other members of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), involving more than 1,500 personnel and training in biological threat response, the Belarusian Defense Ministry announced.
The exercises, named "Indestructible Brotherhood 2026" and "Barrier 2026," opened on October 11 and involve military contingents from Belarus, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.
According to the Belarusian Defense Ministry, more than 300 pieces of military and specialized equipment are involved, including approximately 80 drones.
"Indestructible Brotherhood 2026," held at the Losvido training ground, focuses on planning and conducting peacekeeping operations under the CSTO framework.
The separate "Barrier 2026" exercise, held at the Starodorozhsky training ground, focuses on radiation, chemical and biological protection and medical support.
Its activities include biological reconnaissance, sample collection, laboratory testing, and decontamination of personnel and equipment. Belarusian health authorities are also participating in exercises aimed at preventing the spread of dangerous infectious diseases.
Belarusian officials said this was the first time the Barrier exercise had been conducted in the country as a separate event.
The Russian contingent consists primarily of units from the Central Military District, according to Minsk.
At the opening ceremony, Belarusian Chief of the General Staff Vladimir Bely accused Western countries of prolonging Russia's war against Ukraine and preparing for another major conflict. He provided no evidence to substantiate those allegations.
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