Armenia's security, particularly in the technical-military sphere, appears reliant on cooperation within the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO). Viktor Vasilyev, ambassador-at-large for the CSTO at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia, emphasized this in remarks to Russian news agency RIA Novosti.

“I cannot provide you with information that clearly shows that Armenia's security, including in the technical-military domain, is not possible without cooperation within the framework of the CSTO,” Vasilyev said.

Furthermore, the Russian diplomat emphasized his country's view on Western countries' attempts to exploit the current situation in Armenia to escalate tensions there and across the entire Caucasus region. 

“We use discussions within the framework of the CSTO at all levels to focus the attention of our Armenian partners on this premeditated policy of Western countries,” Vasilyev emphasized.

Viktor Vasilyev also affirmed that there is no consideration of Armenia withdrawing from the CSTO.

The Russian diplomat highlighted that the CSTO focuses on implementing decisions made during the CSTO Collective Security Council meeting in November. He mentioned that all member countries are engaged in these activities. Regarding Armenia’s absence from the meeting, the diplomat stated that despite Armenia’s non-participation, discussions on the meeting’s documents are ongoing in Yerevan. The diplomat acknowledged that Armenia’s decision not to participate in CSTO events was made by its leadership, possibly under pressure.

“In many ways, this situation is the result of both pressure from Western countries and the understandable emotions of the leadership and residents of Armenia,” he noted.