The key facts

  • Maria Zakharova stated that Yerevan still has the opportunity to return to full participation in the CSTO
  • Pashinyan: Armenia does not intend to leave the EAEU, but in 2027–2028 plans to submit an application to join the EU
  • Zakharova called Pashinyan's words about a choice between the EAEU and the EU «verbal acrobatics»

Moscow allows for Yerevan's return to the CSTO

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova stated at a briefing, that Yerevan still has the opportunity to return to full participation in the CSTO, while «no one intends to forcibly keep partners in the organization» (Gazeta.Ru).

Yerevan's position: the CSTO is exhausted, the EAEU — not yet

The Russian Foreign Ministry's statement came against the backdrop of recent remarks by Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. According to him, «Armenia's interests in connection with the CSTO are exhausted», however the country does not intend to leave the Eurasian Economic Union: in 2027–2028, Yerevan plans to submit an application to join the EU. Pashinyan once again promised to offer citizens «alternatives» during a potential referendum.

Moscow's reaction and possible discussion

Zakharova called Pashinyan's words about Armenia's choice between the EAEU and the EU «verbal acrobatics» and did not rule out that the topic of Yerevan's possible withdrawal from the EAEU could be substantively discussed at the organization's summit in Moscow. Thus, the parties' positions diverge on the CSTO, where Yerevan has in fact announced the end of its participation, while Moscow leaves the door open; but on the EAEU there is formally no break yet — the EU application is only planned for 2027–2028, and its discussion may take place at the upcoming summit of the union.