A senior Russian official stated that the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) members may evaluate different scenarios if Armenia does not fulfill its financial contributions to the bloc’s budget.

Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Pankin, in an interview with RIA Novosti, reaffirmed that Armenia remains a CSTO member despite freezing its participation due to the bloc’s lack of response to Azerbaijan’s 2021 and 2022 incursions into Armenia.

“Yerevan has not notified us about withdrawing. They are not planning to withdraw; they have frozen their activities, but at the same time, they are still a member of the CSTO,” Pankin stated, expressing hope that relations between Armenia and the CSTO will be resolved through ongoing dialogue.

Regarding Armenia’s suspension of financial contributions, Pankin suggested that if Armenia does not pay its CSTO budget dues until the end of 2025, member states “could consider various scenarios” but are unlikely to expel Armenia from the alliance.

“By January 1, 2026, there could be a situation for member states to consider various scenarios in case of [Armenia] not having paid for two years,” he noted.

Armenia has frozen its participation in CSTO meetings, events, training exercises, and its financial contributions to the organization.

CSTO Chief: Armenia Still an Ally Despite Suspended Participation

The Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) continues to maintain working ties with Armenia, despite Yerevan freezing its participation in the bloc, CSTO Secretary-General Imangali Tasmagambetov stated.

Speaking to Izvestiya, Tasmagambetov reaffirmed that Armenia remains a CSTO ally, and the organization’s obligations toward the country “are maintained”.

“We maintain working ties with Yerevan. I’d like to once again emphasize that the Republic of Armenia is still an ally and the organization’s obligations for the country are maintained,” Tasmagambetov said.

Armenia suspended its CSTO participation, including financial contributions, after the bloc failed to respond to Azerbaijan’s 2021 and 2022 attacks on Armenia. Azerbaijani forces continue to occupy parts of several Armenian provinces following these incursions.