Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced Armenia’s withdrawal from the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO).

This was stated in his speech at the country’s parliament.

According to him, the organization did not ensure Armenia’s defense against Azerbaijan, which from the very beginning of the conflict, gained an advantage over the Armenian military.

“Those who created the bubble alliance, whose members, as it turned out, were planning a war against us and Azerbaijan, are to blame,” he said.

Pashinyan did not say when exactly the country’s withdrawal from the organization would take place, but he noted in an exchange with an opposition MP that it would happen and that he knew the date of withdrawal.

“We will withdraw, are you scaring me with this? We’re fine, we’ll decide when we leave. What do you think is the next step, can we go back? Don’t worry,” Pashinyan replied.

The country has already taken certain steps that demonstrate its desire to leave the organization, which, according to Pashinyan, has only worsened relations with Azerbaijan.

Previously, Pashinyan said that the CSTO knows about at least two countries that were involved in “preparing a war against us.”

Militarnyi previously reported that Armenia will not contribute to funding the Collective Security Treaty Organization, which includes Russia and several other former Soviet countries.

“Armenia will refrain from joining the decision of November 23, 2023, ‘On the CSTO Budget for 2024’ and thus from participating in financing the organization’s activities. At the same time, Yerevan will not object to the adoption of this decision in a limited format,” Badalyan said.

Although Armenia has not withdrawn from the CSTO, it does not participate in the organization’s activities, including joint military exercises.

Recalling the results of the second Karabakh war, President Nikol Pashinyan stated that the reason for this policy was the CSTO member states’ refusal to provide security support to Armenia.