Mikael Agasandyan, Director of the First CIS Department at the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, expressed concerns about Armenia’s current stance toward its involvement in the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO). In an interview with Russian RIA Novosti news agency, Agasandyan noted that Yerevan seems to be leaning toward reducing cooperation within the CSTO. He suggested that this shift contradicts Armenia’s national interests and could significantly weaken its security.

“Ultimately, there are no alternatives to the CSTO and Russia as guarantees of the stability of Armenia. At this phase, the doors of full cooperation in the CSTO are open for the return of Armenia, and the mutual obligations within the framework of the organization remain unchanged. We expect that the Armenian partners, overcoming their doubts, will again show interest in working in favor of the strategic interests of the friendly Armenian people,” the Russian MFA official outlined. 

“Participation in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) benefits Yerevan. And Moscow hopes Yerevan will not abandon the EAEU because of the US and the European Union (EU), which only promise investments and a “bright future…The relations between Moscow and Yerevan within the framework of EAEU are based on mutually beneficial cooperation. There is no need to be an expert or a politician to see that the union is beneficial for Yerevan. It is mainly due to this [that] the economic growth in Armenia shows respectable positive dynamics," the Russian official noted.