Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced intentions to withdraw from the Russia-led security alliance, the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), amid rising tensions with Russia, Associated Press reports.
While Armenia has previously frozen its participation and canceled joint drills with CSTO, Pashinyan’s statement marks the first formal declaration of intent to leave. However, Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan clarified that the final decision has not yet been made.
Armenia’s relationship with Russia has deteriorated, particularly after Azerbaijan’s recent military actions in the Karabakh region. Armenian authorities blamed Russian peacekeepers for not stopping Azerbaijan, accusations Russia denied. Pashinyan criticized CSTO members for failing to protect Armenia and accused some of colluding with Azerbaijan.
