Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan declares Armenia's intention to withdraw from the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) as tensions escalate between the two former allies.
Yerevan, Armenia - Armenia's Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has announced the country's intention to withdraw from the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), a Russia-led security alliance of several former Soviet republics. The move comes amidst rising tensions between Armenia and Russia, which has been Armenia's traditional ally.
Pashinyan stated that Armenia would leave the CSTO, which includes Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan, but did not specify a timeline. He accused CSTO members of failing to provide support to Armenia during its recent conflict with Azerbaijan over the Nagorno-Karabakh region.
"It turned out that its members failed to fulfill their obligations under the treaty and planned the war against us alongside Azerbaijan," Pashinyan alleged.
Armenia's Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan later attempted to soften the blow to Moscow by emphasizing that Pashinyan had not yet announced a full withdrawal. However, there was no immediate response from the Kremlin.
Ties between Armenia and Russia have been strained after Azerbaijan's successful military campaign in Nagorno-Karabakh in 2020, which ended three decades of Armenian separatist rule. Armenia accused Russian peacekeepers deployed in the region of failing to stop Azerbaijan's offensive. Moscow rejected these accusations, claiming its troops were not mandated to intervene.
Pashinyan's announcement coincides with a wave of protests in Armenia demanding his resignation over his government's decision to cede four border villages to Azerbaijan as part of peace negotiations. Violent clashes erupted between protesters and police outside the parliament building, resulting in injuries and arrests.
Russia has been trying to maintain close relations with both Armenia and Azerbaijan while also balancing its ties with Turkey, a key economic partner for Moscow. The Kremlin has been particularly upset by Armenia's efforts to deepen ties with the West and distance itself from Moscow-dominated alliances.
Armenia's withdrawal from the CSTO is a significant development that could further escalate tensions between Armenia and Russia. It also raises questions about the future of regional security in the South Caucasus, where Russia has long played a dominant role.
Analysts believe that Armenia's decision to withdraw from the CSTO is a reflection of its growing frustration with Russia's perceived failure to provide support in its conflict with Azerbaijan. It also suggests that Armenia is seeking to diversify its security options and strengthen its ties with the West.
However, Armenia's withdrawal also carries risks, as it could weaken its defenses against potential threats from Azerbaijan or other regional powers. It remains to be seen how Russia will react to Armenia's decision and whether it will take steps to punish Yerevan.
The ongoing protests in Armenia also highlight the domestic challenges facing Pashinyan's government. The demand for his resignation reflects widespread discontent over his handling of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and his government's decision to cede territory to Azerbaijan.
The future of Armenia's relationship with Russia and its path to peace with Azerbaijan remain uncertain. Armenia's withdrawal from the CSTO is a major turning point that could reshape regional security dynamics in the South Caucasus.
