Russia, China conduct offensive maneuvers during Center-2026 military drills

Russian and Chinese military personnel participated in the Center-2026 military exercises in Russia's Chelyabinsk Region, conducting maneuvers simulating an offensive operation and establishing a "security zone in the territory of one of the Central Asian republics." Russian Deputy Defense Minister Yunus-Bek Yevkurov reported these developments to President Vladimir Putin, stating that a coalition force launched an offensive after repelling simulated aggression, aiming to liberate occupied territory and create a security zone. Chinese army units were deployed on the left flank alongside military personnel from Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan. The main phase of the strategic command-and-staff exercise was held on October 2, 2026, at the Chebarkul training ground.