Russia has launched military exercises involving troops from member states of the Collective Security Treaty Organization, the Russian Defense Ministry said.
Units from Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan have arrived in the Chelyabinsk Region to take part in the drills.
According to the ministry, an opening ceremony was held at the Chebarkulsky training ground for the Interaction command-and-staff exercise involving the CSTO Collective Rapid Reaction Forces, as well as the Search and Echelon special exercises.
The ministry said the CSTO is strengthening its combat capabilities against the backdrop of a difficult military-political environment, deteriorating international relations and instability moving closer to the borders of member states.
The main task of the drills is to practice joint action during a hypothetical border conflict.
The CSTO Joint Staff previously said the exercises are intended to test the readiness of command bodies and troops to carry out assigned missions while improving coordination between participating forces.
Colonel General Andrey Serdyukov said the drills are part of a planned training program and are not directed against any third country.