Armenia remains without a voice in the CSTO, but why is Yerevan in no hurry to leave the organization?
The denial of Armenia's voting rights in the CSTO was a natural continuation of the policy of Yerevan, which has been distancing itself from the organization for almost three years. However, the decision of the Moscow summit revealed an interesting contradiction: the Armenian leadership has repeatedly stated that participation in the CSTO is useless, but has no intention of formally leaving it.
Why doesn't Pashinyan announce his departure?
Back in February 2024, Yerevan froze participation in the organization, explaining it with dissatisfaction with the actions of the allies during the border clashes with Azerbaijan.
Since then, the Armenian authorities have been expanding military-political contacts with Western countries. At the same time, an official withdrawal from the CSTO will require an update of the country's existing security system, including issues of interaction with Russia.
What remains in relations with Moscow?
Despite political differences, Armenia remains a member of the EAEU, and the 102nd Russian military base continues to operate in Gyumri. The agreement on its placement is valid until 2044.
Moreover, as Sergey Lavrov explained in the past, limiting voting rights does not deprive Armenia of the basic guarantees established in the Collective Security Treaty.
Why doesn't Russia insist on exclusion?
מוסקבה משאירה את האפשרות להחזיר את שיתוף הפעולה המלא. עבור רוסיה, זה מאפשר לנו לשמור על מנגנוני אינטראקציה קיימים עם ירוואן, למרות הבדלים בנושאי ביטחון אזוריים.
At the same time, the situation remains exceptional: Armenia maintains the guarantees stipulated in the treaty, but does not actually participate in the development of collective decisions.
However, in order to return Armenia to full-fledged work in the CSTO, it is not enough just to resume the payment of membership fees - a political decision is also required from Yerevan, which since 2024 has effectively distanced itself from the organization.
Vestnik Caucasus.