Belarus Concludes CSTO Drills, Tightens Crypto Rules and Sees Tourism Surge

Belarus wrapped up large-scale CSTO military exercises in Vitebsk District today, while President Aleksandr Lukashenko ordered clearer cryptocurrency regulations and officials reported a spike in autumn tour bookings from Russia.

The simultaneous developments underscore Belarus’s efforts to bolster national security, assert control over its burgeoning crypto sector and capitalize on growing regional tourism demand.

CSTO Exercises Meet Objectives

Belarus hosted the closing ceremony of the Collective Security Treaty Organization’s “Interaction,” “Search” and “Echelon” drills at the Losvido training ground in Vitebsk District. Over 2,000 personnel from Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia and Tajikistan rehearsed blocking, storming and evacuation scenarios against a simulated illegal armed group. Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin declared that the exercises achieved their goals and enhanced operational interoperability among member states.

Lukashenko Pushes Crypto Oversight

During a September 5 government meeting, President Lukashenko instructed lawmakers to draft transparent, binding rules for Belarus’s cryptocurrency market within one month. Citing investor losses and platform failures, he emphasized the state’s duty to protect citizens from fraud while preserving the country’s digital-innovation ambitions. Plans include establishing a government-backed crypto bank to oversee token transactions without local-currency deposits.

Autumn Tour Bookings Double

Belarusian travel authorities reported a 100 percent year-on-year rise in demand for autumn guided tours from Russia. Belarus retained its lead among CIS destinations, capturing 66 percent of bookings for three- to seven-day packages. Tour operators attribute the surge to affordable fares, visa-free access via the Mir payment card and modest price increases below 5 percent. Grodno emerged as a newly popular itinerary stop.

Background and Outlook

Belarus has hosted CSTO exercises since 2009, using them to reinforce collective defense postures. Meanwhile, its 2017 Digital Economy Decree positioned the country as an early Eastern European crypto hub. Lukashenko’s renewed push for robust legislation reflects growing government impatience with unregulated digital finance. Finally, the tourism uptick suggests Belarus’s efforts to attract regional travelers are gaining traction amid geopolitical shifts.