Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan says he would welcome Armenia being expelled from the Russia-led Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), saying Yerevan has no intention of returning to active participation in the bloc over the next five years. In response, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov says Armenia is free to leave and adds that if Yerevan wants to depart, it should do so itself.
Both outlets link the exchange to Armenia’s broader strategic shift and its lack of plans to re-engage with the CSTO. They also note that Armenia is preparing to apply for formal EU membership. While Pashinyan’s remarks emphasize avoiding a political dilemma over whether to exit, the Kremlin’s response frames the decision as Armenia’s own responsibility. The reporting also highlights that any CSTO exit could increase Armenia’s exposure amid ongoing regional uncertainties, including the unfinished peace process with Azerbaijan.
