Russia Rehearses Invasion and Occupation Scenario in Central Asia During Military Exercises

Russia’s Centre-2026 military exercises reportedly included a scenario involving the seizure of territory and creation of a security zone in a neighboring Central Asian country. The drills, held in the Chelyabinsk region, involved 47,000 troops, thousands of vehicles, aircraft, and naval vessels, alongside forces from several partner states. Officials described the exercise as defensive, but commanders also practiced offensive operations. Kazakhstan appeared the most plausible simulated target because of its proximity to Russia and access to the Caspian Sea there.