CSTO says it is ready to support Belarus if necessary

Yesterday 10:15

By: Azzat Manal

CSTO says it is ready to support Belarus if necessary

The Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) has reaffirmed its readiness to provide Belarus with all forms of support available under the organization's collective security framework.

CSTO Secretary-General Talatbek Masadykov said that member states would take the necessary collective measures outlined in the organization's founding documents if circumstances required such action.

The statement comes amid continued security concerns in Eastern Europe and heightened attention to military activities near the borders of Belarus and Russia. Poland conducted military exercises near the borders of the two countries in July, prompting criticism from Russian officials.

The CSTO is a Russia-led political and military alliance established in 2002. Its members are Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, while Armenia remains formally listed as a member despite its suspension of participation in the organization's activities.

The organization is headquartered in Moscow, with its chairmanship rotating among member states. Its stated objectives include strengthening collective security, protecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of its members and promoting military cooperation.

The alliance also focuses on combating terrorism and organized crime, preventing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and maintaining regional security. Under its collective-security principles, an armed attack against one member can be treated as a threat to the security of the other members.

Belarus occupies an important position within the CSTO's security structure because of its geographical location and close military relationship with Russia. Any deterioration in the security environment around Belarus could therefore have wider implications for the alliance.

The latest statement from the CSTO leadership signals that the organization wants to maintain its collective-security commitments while monitoring developments along the eastern borders of NATO and the wider European security environment.