The article, written by security expert Erkki Koort for Postimees, elaborates on Russia's recent chairmanship of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), which was established as a counterweight to NATO. Koort analyzes the implications of this development, indicating that it underscores Moscow's intention to strengthen its security alliances amid ongoing tensions with Western nations. He points out that the chairmanship is not merely a symbolic gesture, but rather a strategic move designed to consolidate power and influence within the organization.

Moreover, Koort highlights specific priorities laid out by President Putin in relation to the CSTO, which reflect Russia’s primary security concerns. These priorities range from regional stability and counter-terrorism to addressing perceived threats from NATO. The article argues that by focusing on these issues through the CSTO framework, Russia aims to reinforce its role as a key player in post-Soviet security arrangements and to assert its influence over former Soviet states.

In conclusion, the article suggests that Putin’s actions within the CSTO are indicative of deeper anxieties regarding NATO’s presence and activities near Russia’s borders. The chairmanship is seen as an opportunity for Russia to rally its allies and to push back against Western encroachment, while also attempting to project strength and resolve on the international stage. This strategic posturing could have significant implications for regional security dynamics, particularly in Eastern Europe and Central Asia.