Armenia under pressure as Russia and CSTO seek ties, NATO pushes

Russia’s permanent representative to the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), Viktor Vasiliev, said Moscow and the other CSTO members want to keep friendly relations with Armenia, stressing the "intertwined lives and destinies of our peoples, not only for decades but for centuries." He added that NATO countries are trying to "pull" Armenia away from its CSTO allies, including through joint exercises.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan reiterated that Yerevan cannot simultaneously pursue EU membership and join the Eurasian Economic Union. President Vladimir Putin urged Armenian authorities to decide between the two blocs soon, suggesting it could enable a "smooth and civilized" separation. CSTO Secretary‑General Sergei Lebedev confirmed Armenia remains a full member of the organization, with no discussion of withdrawal.