For the first time since 2020, the Russian Federation assumed the rotating chairmanship of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), the Eurasian military alliance including Russia, Belarus, and most of Central Asia. 

At the CSTO Summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on November 27, 2025, Russian president Vladimir Putin proposed “a large-scale programme to supply the collective forces with modern Russian weapons and military equipment, which have proven their effectiveness in military operations on the ground.” This proposal also includes developing air force and air defense systems, collaboration of defense industry enterprises, and information security. Putin also plans to deliver modern weapons and equipment to the other member states. 

However, Russia enters the chairmanship at a time when the CSTO faces many problems that could complicate Putin’s ability to deliver on the extensive proposals. The CSTO continues to face a mixture of criticism and skepticism. It has failed to come to the aid of its member-states, like Armenia. Meanwhile, Russia’s war in Ukraine has drawn away the attention and resources of the organization’s most powerful member. Time will tell if Russia can........

© The National Interest