Armenia names conditions for withdrawal from the CSTO and the EAEU
If the price of Russian gas increases, Armenia will leave the Collective Security Treaty Organization and the Eurasian Economic Union, the speaker of the Armenian parliament stated.
As "Caucasian Knot" reported, the Armenian government supported the idea of holding a referendum on joining the European Union, but Pashinyan urged against hasty steps. The press secretary of the Russian president recalled that it will not be possible to be in both the European Union and the Eurasian Economic Union at the same time. EU standards imply joining anti-Russian sanctions, the Russian Foreign Minister stated. Combining Armenia's course toward rapprochement with the EU and membership in the Eurasian Economic Union is "impossible by definition," Vladimir Putin said at a meeting with Nikol Pashinyan in the Kremlin. He also stated that Moscow "would like" to see all pro-Russian political forces participate in the parliamentary elections in Armenia.
In December 2025, Armenia and the EU signed a strategic partnership agenda. The country agreed to develop relations with the bloc in the areas of democracy and the rule of law, justice reform, human rights, and socio-economic development. EU High Representative Kaja Kallas announced that the EU will allocate €15 million to strengthen Armenia's resilience ahead of the parliamentary elections in the republic, which will be held in June 2026. EU High Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos previously stated that the strategic partnership agenda includes support that promotes Armenia's economic development and strengthens its institutions. The new partnership agenda will also include defense and security cooperation, Armenpress reported.
Speaker of the Armenian Parliament Alen Simonyan stated that Yerevan will initiate the process of withdrawing from the Collective Security Treaty Organization and the Eurasian Economic Union if Moscow decides to raise the price of Russian gas supplied to the republic. He noted that such talk is nothing new, and if the increase occurs, Armenia will take retaliatory measures, Kommersant reports.
"But I don't think it will come to that, because I also know that a very good, productive, and fruitful conversation took place between the leaders of the two countries after this. I hope that Mr. Prime Minister will tell you which part he considers correct, but at the same time, yes, I admit that this conversation is not often publicly discussed at meetings between the two countries, but at the same time, the Armenian Prime Minister expressed Armenia's opinion and point of view. "All online publications share my assessment," News.Am quotes him as saying.
According to him, "discussions have already been held" about a possible increase in gas prices for Armenia. "If we reach the point where we see any actions related to this, I or a government representative will comment on the situation. We have not done anything against Russia, are not doing anything, and will not do anything, but at the same time, we will protect the interests of the Republic of Armenia," he added.
Following Russia's refusal to intervene in the armed conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan in the fall of 2020, Armenia's confidence in the benefits of participating in the CSTO weakened, to the point of threatening to leave the organization. You can read about how Armenia's unfriendly rhetoric towards Russia has escalated, and what steps Armenia has taken in its attempts to find an alternative to the CSTO, in the "Caucasian Knot" report "The Main Points of Armenia's Criticism of the CSTO and the Kremlin".