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Armenia is facing a crossroads in its foreign policy as tensions rise with Russia over the role of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO). Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s recent claim that the CSTO, a Moscow-led military alliance, could pose a threat to Armenia has sparked debate about the country’s future within the organization. His remarks reflect broader frustration in Yerevan over the CSTO’s perceived lack of support during Armenia’s 2020 conflict with Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh.
The CSTO, which includes several former Soviet states such as Russia, Belarus, and Kazakhstan, was founded to protect its members from external threats. For years, Armenia has been a key ally of Moscow, relying heavily on the security organization. However, during the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war, when Azerbaijan reclaimed significant territory, the CSTO did not intervene, a point of contention that has only intensified as tensions with Azerbaijan remain high.
Pashinyan has repeatedly voiced dissatisfaction with the CSTO, questioning whether the alliance truly serves Armenia’s security needs. The prime minister’s comments signal a potential shift in Armenia’s foreign policy, as the country appears to be exploring alternatives, including strengthening ties with Western institutions like NATO and the European Union. This pivot comes at a time when Armenia seeks to secure its national security in the face of a resurgent Azerbaijan, which continues to assert claims over Nagorno-Karabakh.
Moscow, however, has been quick to dismiss Pashinyan’s claims. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov defended the CSTO, asserting that the alliance is designed to protect its members, not threaten them. Peskov reiterated Russia’s commitment to Armenia as a strategic ally, but his comments also underscored Moscow’s concern over Yerevan’s possible foreign policy shift.