Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to lead a meeting of the Collective Security Treaty Organization council in Moscow on Wednesday. The gathering brings the tense dynamic between the Kremlin and Armenia into sharp focus as the military bloc faces declining influence.
Armenia has frozen its involvement in the Russia-led alliance since February 2024, effectively boycotting group operations after losing a conflict to Azerbaijan. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated that the country's interest in the bloc has concluded, citing a lack of support during the war despite charter rules envisioning mutual aid. Yerevan is also pursuing European Union membership.
Experts note that other member states, which include Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan, rely more heavily on Russia economically and are likely to remain silent. Meanwhile, analysts point out that the shifting stance of former allies comes while Moscow remains heavily engaged in Ukraine and faces pressure from Western sanctions and economic strain.