Armenia seeks to distance itself from Russia's military pact.
Tensions between Armenia and Russia due to Russian actions in Nagorno-Karabakh remain strong within Armenia. The relationship is deteriorating, as Armenia has denied participation in a military exercise and now wishes to withdraw from a security alliance.
Prime Minister of Armenia, Nikol Pashinyan, aims to lead his nation from a security alliance primarily ruled by Russia, which includes numerous former Soviet states. Pashinyan revealed that his administration would eventually decide on the specifics of Armenia's exit from the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), which includes Russia, Belarus, and former Central Asian Soviet states of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan.
Armenia's relations with Russia had started to worsen when it discontinued participation in military exercises, skipped CSTO summit meetings, and ceased symmetric engagement. Now, for the first time, Pashinyan expressed his intentions to withdraw from the CSTO during a parliamentary question-and-answer session. Russia has not yet reacted publicly to this announcement.
Pashinyan stated resolutely, "We will go. We will not return. There is no other way." Later, Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan attempted to moderate Russia's response by clarifying that Pashinyan had not yet announced a complete withdrawal from the CSTO. "Those who claim that the prime minister said Armenia is leaving the CSTO are mistaken," Mirzoyan said.
Armenia turns towards the West
The strained relationship between Armenia and Russia, a historical ally, has only escalated since Azerbaijan took control of Nagorno-Karabakh in September. This marked the end of the three-decade reign of Armenian separatists. Armenia accuses Russian peacekeepers—who were sent to the region after previous conflicts in 2020—of not actively preventing Azerbaijan's offensive.
Russia vehemently opposes the accusations, maintaining that its troops did not have the authority to intervene. The Kremlin is profoundly displeased with Pashinyan's attempts to strengthen ties with the West. The Russian government was particularly incensed by Armenia's decision to join the International Criminal Court, which issued an arrest warrant against Putin last year accusing him of war crimes in Ukraine.
Pashinyan is currently facing pressure for resignation. The cause? His administration's agreement to cede four border villages to Azerbaijan to facilitate a peace treaty with the longtime adversary. On Wednesday, there were confrontations when angry protesters attempted to breach police cordons outside the parliament building. The protesters hurled bottles and rocks at the police, promoting the latter to fire stun grenades. Reports state that around 30 individuals were injured, and several demonstrators were detained by the police.
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Despite Armenia's efforts to distance itself from Russia's military pact, Russia remains a significant player in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Russia, being a party to the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), which Armenia is part of, has maintained a military presence in the region.
Russia's continued involvement in Nagorno-Karabakh, a region with historical ties to both Armenia and Azerbaijan, has further strained relations between Armenia and Russia, prompting Armenia to seek stronger ties with the West.
