CSTO - Part.1

Russia engages in extensive security cooperation through bilateral and multilateral frameworks. It maintains close ties with countries in its immediate region, particularly through organizations such as the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). These partnerships involve coordinated military exercises, joint defense initiatives, and intelligence-sharing mechanisms. Russia also maintains military bases in several allied states, supports border security, and provides military equipment and technical training to partner nations. These actions are coordinated through the Russian Ministry of Defense and other state security institutions to ensure strategic continuity and long-term defense alignment.

Outside its traditional sphere, Russia conducts security cooperation with countries across Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East. It maintains strategic defense relationships with China, India, and Iran, involving arms trade, joint military drills, and technological collaboration. In Africa, Russia provides military advisors, logistical support, and equipment to various governments. It also signs defense agreements that include security assistance, training programs, and cooperation on counterterrorism and peacekeeping missions. Countries such as Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Syria also maintain close military ties with Moscow. These relationships often include long-term arms contracts, access to Russian military academies, and infrastructure development linked to security needs.

Russia employs a range of tools to support its international security engagements. These include official military cooperation agreements, state-owned arms exports, and the deployment of private military companies such as Wagner. Russian military advisors and contractors operate in several countries to assist with training, strategic planning, and operational support. Cybersecurity cooperation, satellite intelligence, and joint exercises are also key features of Russia’s approach. These efforts are supported by state institutions, defense industry entities, and diplomatic channels to maintain ongoing security collaboration with partner states. Additionally, Russia uses naval port visits, defense expos, and multilateral forums to promote its military capabilities and expand its security network globally.