Armenia’s Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan addressed Armenia’s strained relations with the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) during a parliamentary Q&A session, responding to comments by Russian President Vladimir Putin. Putin recently stated that the CSTO could not intervene in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, citing no direct attack on Armenia and asserting Armenia’s support for CSTO documents.

Pashinyan clarified Armenia’s stance, emphasizing territorial aggression against Armenia in 2021 and 2022, which he claimed violated previously agreed “red lines.” He recounted that allies within the CSTO initially committed to protecting Armenia’s borders but later argued that the borders were not delimited.

“When the encroachments occurred, we reminded our dear colleagues that the red line they had referred to had been crossed, after which they responded, ‘You know, the border is not delimited.’ Consequently, we wondered what the red line is in this case and asked to define the CSTO zone of responsibility within Armenia. They have not provided an answer,” Pashinyan said.

The Armenian PM also noted his refusal to sign the final document of the CSTO summit in 2022, citing the lack of clarity and response regarding Armenia’s security concerns. He emphasized that this decision was unrelated to the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh.

Pashinyan confirmed Armenia's current position of freezing participation in the CSTO. He stated that Armenia no longer develops or discusses CSTO documents, nor does it propose or veto decisions, effectively considering itself outside the organization.

“We simply do not veto any document because, in fact, we already consider ourselves outside the CSTO. Let them decide whatever they want. We do not interfere in their affairs, and this is out of respect for our partners,” he said.

In conclusion, Pashinyan suggested that Armenia's return to the CSTO is increasingly unlikely. “The discrepancy between these events and their now public mutual expression makes the return of the Republic of Armenia to the CSTO increasingly difficult, if not impossible. I believe we have crossed the point of no return,” he declared.

CSTO Chief: Armenia's Non-Participation Does Not Impact Organization's Effectiveness

Armenia’s absence from discussions within the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) does not hinder the organization’s productivity, according to CSTO Secretary General Imangali Tasmagambetov, as reported by RIA Novosti.

“The non-participation of Armenia does not affect the productiveness of the organization’s work,” Tasmagambetov stated while affirming that Armenia remains an ally and that all CSTO obligations toward Armenia are upheld.

He emphasized that Armenia retains the option to resume full-scale participation in CSTO activities at any time, noting that there are no objections or obstacles from other member states.

The Secretary-General acknowledged that Armenia’s current level of engagement with the CSTO reflects decisions made by its military and political leadership but reiterated the organization’s commitment to its obligations toward Armenia.

“Armenia can return to full-scale participation in the work of the organization at any time; there is no objection,” Tasmagambetov concluded, underscoring the ongoing alliance and openness within the CSTO framework.