Russia reportedly practiced creating a "security zone" in a Central Asian country during joint exercises with China. Russian President Putin observed the final phase of the "Center-2026" strategic command and staff exercises at the Chebarkul training ground in the Chelyabinsk region, according to the Kremlin.

The exercises involved China and focused on establishing a security zone within a Central Asian nation, with President Putin overseeing the concluding stages at the Chebarkul training ground.