The decision was made on November 11 during the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) Council meeting in Moscow, which included Kyrgyzstan President Sadyr Japarov. According to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, the restrictions stem from Armenia's failure to fulfill its obligations to the organization for several years.

Reason for the restrictions

The primary driver for this move is Armenia's failure to pay membership fees into the CSTO budget since 2024. The member states applied Article 25 of the CSTO Charter, which allows for the suspension of voting rights and the right to nominate citizens to quota-based positions for states with outstanding dues for two years.

Even after this decision is made, Armenian colleagues will effectively retain all main rights under the Collective Security Treaty, including the right to collective security itself.
Sergey Lavrov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia

Context

The tension between Yerevan and the CSTO has been escalating since February 2024, when Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced a suspension of the country's participation. Pashinyan cited the situation regarding Nagorno-Karabakh, alleging that at least two member states assisted Azerbaijan in preparing for military actions against Armenia while maintaining a facade of support for Yerevan.

Additionally, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova noted that in September 2022, the CSTO sent an assessment mission to Armenia's border regions. While the Collective Security Council decided to deploy a monitoring group, Armenian authorities declined the placement, opting instead to invite European Union representatives.

  1. September 2022

    CSTO sends an assessment mission to Armenia's border regions

  2. February 2024

    Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announces suspension of CSTO participation

  3. November 11

    CSTO Council meeting in Moscow strips Armenia of voting rights