Armenia reaffirms stance on CSTO freeze following meeting with Russian officials

The Armenian Foreign Ministry has clarified that the participation of the Armenian Ambassador to Russia, Gurgen Arsenyan, in the recent meeting between Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and CSTO diplomats, does not alter Armenia's stance on the organization.

"The position of the Republic of Armenia on the issue of freezing participation in the CSTO activities has not changed," Ani Badalyan, the press secretary of the Armenian Foreign Ministry, stated in response to inquiries regarding Armenia’s position on the CSTO, Caliber.Az reports via Armenian media.

Previously, Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan also acknowledged the ongoing disagreements between Yerevan and Moscow on several foreign policy issues. However, he emphasized that the strong economic ties between Armenia and Russia continue to provide a foundation for their bilateral relationship.

During a parliamentary discussion on Armenia's 2025 state budget, Mirzoyan remarked, "Our attitude towards the structure [CSTO] is known," signalling the complexities of Armenia's position in the organization. He further emphasized that despite differences on specific issues, Armenia and Russia maintain a transparent and productive relationship, particularly within the framework of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).

While Armenia has sought to strengthen ties with the West, the country remains heavily dependent on Russia for military and economic support, a dynamic that continues to shape its foreign policy decisions. Armenia’s trade turnover with Russia surged dramatically from $2.6 billion in 2021 to $7.4 billion in 2023, with projections suggesting it could reach $14-16 billion by 2024, highlighting the deepening economic connections between the two countries.

This ongoing economic cooperation contrasts with Armenia's political tensions with Russia, particularly over the CSTO. In September, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced that Armenia had frozen its participation in CSTO activities at all levels, a decision he deemed sufficient at the time. Pashinyan added that while Armenia does not foresee the need for further decisions on the matter, the situation may evolve in the future.

Since March, Pashinyan has repeatedly indicated that Armenia could eventually withdraw from the CSTO, citing instances where he claims two CSTO member states supported Azerbaijan in military operations against Armenia in 2023. Additionally, Armenia has refused to participate in CSTO exercises multiple times, most recently in August 2024, marking the fourth such refusal.

By Tamilla Hasanova