Russian foreign minister signals diplomatic strain as Armenia hesitates on CSTO membership

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has cautioned Armenia about the potential repercussions of distancing itself from its Eurasian allies, underscoring that such a move would offer little benefit to the Armenian people.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting of the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) Council of Foreign Ministers, Lavrov addressed growing speculation in Yerevan regarding Armenia’s strategic alignment, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

“We are not putting any pressure on the Armenian ruling circles, we will expect clarity in all these issues, but we all understand that if Armenia turns away from its allies, from its closest partners, from its neighbours, it will hardly benefit the Armenian people,” Lavrov stated, responding to Armenia’s ambiguous position between the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and the European Union (EU), as well as its future role within the CSTO framework.

Lavrov reaffirmed Russia’s stance that Armenia remains a full-fledged CSTO member, stressing that such membership entails active participation and adherence to all obligations under the organisation’s statutory documents, including timely payment of dues.

“We still consider Armenia a full-fledged member of this organisation, but, of course, full-fledged membership implies participation and compliance with all obligations that stem from the CSTO statutory documents. Including, by the way, the payment of dues,” he emphasized.

The minister also highlighted tensions within the CSTO Ministerial Council, noting the conspicuous absence of Armenia’s Foreign Minister at the recent session. Lavrov remarked that council members “took note of the fact that the Foreign Minister once again refused to go to the event,” suggesting ongoing diplomatic friction.

By Vafa Guliyeva