Russian pundit warns Armenia on CSTO and EAEU membership dilemma

Russian political scientist Fyodor Lukyanov addressed the delicate balance Armenia faces regarding its membership in the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), in a recent interview with Armenian media.

Lukyanov stressed the importance of clarity in Armenia's plans, cautioning that Russia awaits explanations before making its own decisions, Caliber.Az reports.

“Russia understands that although it is busy on other fronts, there are issues that need to be resolved and clarified, because statements are constantly being made that do not become the subject of sufficient negotiations at the bilateral Armenian-Russian level,” he stressed.

Lukyanov highlighted Russia's concern over statements made without adequate negotiation at the bilateral level between Armenia and Russia. He emphasized that Russia does not isolate the issue to the CSTO alone but views it in conjunction with other integration structures, unlike Armenia's perspective.

“Therefore, Russia first expects to receive clarification regarding Yerevan’s plans, and then make its own decisions. Naturally, these explanations have not yet been heard, but for Russia this issue concerns not only the CSTO, it also concerns the EAEU and other issues arising from it. Because, I think, the Russian Foreign Minister does not separate the CSTO from other integration structures, as Yerevan does,” he added.

The political scientist underscored the interconnectedness of Armenia's membership in the CSTO and the EAEU, asserting that Russia's Foreign Ministry has made it clear that exclusion, freezing, or suspending CSTO membership while maintaining ties with the EAEU or possessing strategic alliances with Russia is untenable. Lukyanov suggested that a selective approach to these issues is unlikely, urging Armenia to clarify its position comprehensively.

“The Russian Foreign Ministry makes it clear that it is impossible to exclude from the CSTO, freeze or suspend membership in the CSTO while continuing to be a member of the EAEU or having Armenian-Russian agreements on a strategic alliance. Therefore, most likely, there will be no selective approach and the position regarding the broader system of issues must be clarified,” the expert underlined.

Lukyanov emphasized the importance of bilateral discussions in determining new milestones and decisions in Armenian-Russian relations, cautioning against unilateral announcements, especially given the broad agenda at hand.

“New milestones and decisions in bilateral relations are discussed jointly, and not just announced, especially in the case of such a broad agenda,” the political scientist said.