Putin has issued a statement on the Kremlin website where he thanked the leaders of the CISM for "constructive interaction" and "trust".

"Russia cherishes the long-standing and strong ties that have developed with the International Military Sports Council and the successful implementation of joint large-scale projects," said Putin.

"We highly appreciate the principled and firm position of the council, which invariably remains committed to its motto 'Friendship through sports'.

"We are aimed at further mutually beneficial partnership in business strengthening and augmenting the traditions of military sports."

It is reported by Russia’s Defence Ministry that more than 170 representatives from 50 counties are participating in the meeting, including over 25 nations via a video conference call.

There is no reporting of the General Assembly on the CISM's official website or any of its social media channels. 

Athletes from Russia and Belarus have been largely barred from international competition since the invasion in February last year.

But the CISM has refused to support International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) recommendations of sanctions against Russia and Belarus, allowing military athletes to compete at the World Championships and other major events under their country’s flag.

Russian Presidential aide Igor Levitin and Deputy Defence Minister Nikolai Pankov were among those to attend the CISM General Assembly and Congress.

Speaking on behalf of Russia’s Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu, Pankov claimed that the CISM had "done a lot to strengthen world peace", "maintain impartiality in the field of sports" and "promote the principle of solidarity".

"I am sure that the potential of the assembly will serve as the basis for strengthening friendly ties between the armies of countries, increasing the efficiency of mass sports work among the military personnel and multiplying the achievements of army athletes," added Pankov.

The IOC has recommended that athletes from Russia and Belarus should be allowed to return to the global sporting stage provided they adhere to strict conditions of neutrality.

These include not having publicly supported Putin’s invasion of Ukraine or being contracted to the Russian or Belarusian militaries or national security agencies.

CISM vice-president Yijang Wang of China stressed that the organisation would be guided by its own rules after refusing to ban Russian and Belarusian athletes.

"CISM is not a political organisation, we do not resolve political issues," said Wang.

"This is one of the basic principles that is stated in the constitution.

"Since the beginning of last year, calls for sanctions have been sent to many international sports organisations.

"Voices have also been heard from within the CISM in favour of imposing sanctions.

"This issue was discussed at a meeting of the Executive Committee, and it was decided that no member of the organisation can be punished if he did not violate the basic provisions of the CISM constitution.

"CISM is an independent organization, we are guided by our rules and will adhere to our politicians."

Saint Petersburg staged last year’s World Cadet Games which received the highest rating from the CISM Board of Directors, according to Russia's official state news agency TASS.

CISM vice-president Leonardo Perdigao de Oliveira of Brazil also stressed the importance of remaining "apolitical" and uniting military personnel around the world.

"We are very pleased that the Russian side at such a time has risen to the challenge and is now holding such an important event for us," said de Oliveira.

"As you may know, we have many extensive discussions planned this week, we will build bridges that will strengthen our interaction and our organization.

"I would like to note the cooperation between countries, the readiness to follow our slogan - 'Friendship through sport'.

"During the General Assembly, the issues of inclusion and exclusion of sports, their promotion, administrative and financial issues will be discussed."

Germany’s Dirk Schwede is the Acting President of the CISM after Frenchman Hervé Piccirillo’s term as leader was not renewed last year.

Founded in 1948, the CISM has 140 members, including Belarus, Russia and Ukraine, and has stated that it looks to "use sport for deconfliction and peace building between countries".