Armenia rules out immediate withdrawal from Russia-led CSTO

Armenia is not presently considering a formal exit from the Russia-led Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), a senior official confirmed. Deputy Foreign Minister Mnatsakan Safaryan outlined Yerevan's current strategy as one of strategic ambiguity, abstaining from active participation in the military bloc's work while allowing its decisions to proceed. This delicate balancing act reflects a broader regional realignment in the South Caucasus, an area where Türkiye maintains significant geopolitical interest and growing influence.

A Policy of Conditional Non-Participation

Safaryan emphasized that Armenia's declared position is to skip CSTO meetings, including an upcoming summit in Kyrgyzstan, without formally obstructing the organization's procedural functions. "Armenia does not currently take part in CSTO work, it does not oppose the adoption of documents agreed upon by other members," he told reporters, characterizing this as a calculated foreign policy approach based on national interest.

The "Balancing Policy" Framework

The diplomat framed this stance within Yerevan's publicly announced "balancing policy," a flexible framework that allows it to respond to evolving geopolitical circumstances. "Armenia conducts its foreign policy based on interests, according to the situation that is created," Safaryan was quoted as saying by the Armenpress news agency, indicating that its current non-participation is a situational choice rather than a permanent rupture.

No Mandate for Formal Withdrawal

When questioned about the purpose of remaining in the bloc while not participating, Safaryan indicated this is the extent of the policy "at this stage." He explicitly stated that the Foreign Ministry has not been tasked with preparing the legal and diplomatic groundwork for a withdrawal, noting, "Such a task has not been put before us yet." This leaves the door open for a potential return to active membership or a future decision to fully exit the Moscow-dominated security alliance.