After the Armenian leadership declined to pay the calculated amount for the CSTO budget, a draft decision of the Collective Security Council is being developed to address this issue, according to the Russian Foreign Ministry. Despite Armenia’s financial obligations being maintained, the organization’s work will continue as usual. Earlier in May, Yerevan announced it would cease financing CSTO activities and refrain from participating in the decision on the organization’s 2024 budget.
Tensions between Russia, the CSTO, and Armenia escalated after Azerbaijan’s attack on Armenia in 2022, which the CSTO did not condemn. Armenia did not support the proposal to deploy observers on the border and hinted at potential exit from the bloc. These developments shed light on the complicated dynamics within the organization and the challenges it faces in maintaining cohesion among member states.
The CSTO has six members, including Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Belarus. The organization was formed in 1994 to ensure security and stability in Central Asia and Eastern Europe. It has since expanded its influence beyond its original borders through its partnership with NATO and other organizations.
However, these partnerships have also created tensions with other countries who feel threatened by their presence or actions. The recent incident with Azerbaijan is just one example of how these tensions can lead to conflict within or outside of the bloc. As such, it is important for all member states to work together towards a common goal of peace and stability in order to maintain unity within
