Russia Hosts High-Stakes CSTO Summit as Alliance Fissures Deepen

On May 26, Moscow will host a high-level Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) meeting, occurring at a critical juncture for the six-nation military alliance. As Russia struggles with the resource demands of its conflict in Ukraine, the organization faces unprecedented internal pressures. Tensions are particularly high following Armenia’s disillusionment with the alliance's lack of support during regional border conflicts, and a broader desire among Central Asian nations to pursue multi-vector foreign policies to avoid secondary sanctions. While Belarus continues to act as a staunch ally, the bloc is increasingly defined by a lack of consensus and shifting geopolitical loyalties. This upcoming summit will serve as a vital indicator of whether the CSTO can maintain its relevance or if it will continue to fragment under the weight of conflicting national interests and diminished Russian influence. The summit highlights the challenges Moscow faces in projecting regional security power while its own strategic focus remains heavily diverted.