Armenia to quit pro‑Russian alliance, seeks EU ties

This is a severe blow to Vladimir Putin. One of Russia's allies is leaving and publicly criticizing the pro-Russian alliance. Will other countries follow this stance?

Several countries support Moscow in various ways in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, from political support to supplying weapons and military equipment. Vladimir Putin's most loyal ally is Belarus, which has provided its territory and airspace for Russian military operations.

North Korea also supports Russia by delivering weapons and ammunition. Kim Jong-un's regime openly criticizes the United States and blames it for the outbreak of the conflict, further cementing their alliance with Moscow.

Additionally, Vladimir Putin can count on the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), a pro-Russian military alliance formed after the collapse of the USSR. This intergovernmental military organization aims to promote mutual defence and security cooperation among its members. Its members include Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Armenia, though this is set to change soon.

Armenia has announced its plans to leave the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO). The Prime Minister of Armenia, Nikol Pashinyan, presented this decision during his speech in parliament on Wednesday, June 12.

We will leave (the CSTO). We will decide when - said Nikol Pashinyan, quoted by the "Moscow Times".

Armenia is in a unique geopolitical situation. In the face of escalating tensions in the region, primarily related to the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh, where Russia, despite its alliance obligations, did not provide the expected assistance, Yerevan is increasingly questioning the value of its CSTO membership.

Pashinyan, clearly disheartened by the lack of support during the recent conflicts with Azerbaijan, openly called the CSTO a "shell." His declaration undermines solidarity within the alliance, pointing to possible behind-the-scenes maneuvers and a lack of real support for Armenia.

The Prime Minister of Armenia also suggested that some CSTO members might have cooperated with Azerbaijan against his country, which only deepens the rift between the former allies.

Armenia is currently at a crossroads. Pashinyan mentioned the possibility of getting closer to the European Union, which would signify another significant shift in the country's foreign policy. Such a reorientation would have profound implications for Armenia and the entire region, potentially transforming regional power dynamics.

Armenia's decision shows how sensitive political alliances are and how important it is for countries to have absolute security guarantees, not just theoretical ones. We are witnessing a moment that could define future power dynamics in this part of the world and Armenia's future on the international stage.