The unexpected betrayal of Armenia came as a surprise to Russia. As a long-standing close ally, Armenia and Russia have always maintained close ties. Russia has not only provided significant assistance to Armenia, but has also sent troops to help in the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict. However, at a time when the crisis in Ukraine is tense, Armenia suddenly announced the freezing of its membership in the CSTO.
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan noted that the CSTO failed to provide sufficient support to Armenia in the conflicts of 2021 and 2022. This sudden decision caused dissatisfaction and concern in Russia, which demanded an explanation from Armenia in this regard.
Belarusian ** Alexander Lukashenko expressed a different opinion on this, arguing that Armenia's decision was too hasty and did not rush into action. Lukashenko noted that even if Armenia withdraws from the CSTO, the organization will not collapse. He advised the Armenian side not to give up its existing allies lightly, since it will not be easy to return to this organization.
Armenian Prime Minister Pashinyan's betrayal of Russia does not stop there. He openly stated that Armenia is not an ally of Russia on the Ukrainian issue. This statement undoubtedly exacerbated Russia's disappointment with Armenia.
What is the reason behind this decision of Armenia? On the one hand, Armenia resents Russia's failure to send troops to help fight Azerbaijan at a critical moment. On the other hand, Armenia has also been influenced by the United States and Western countries. Recently, Armenia has been working closely with the United States and has launched a series of cooperation with France. France** Macron has pledged economic and military support to Armenia.
And the territorial dispute between Armenia and Azerbaijan remains. Tensions between the two countries have persisted since Azerbaijan seized the Nagorno-Karabakh region in 2023. In fact, Armenian Prime Minister Pashinyan warned back in February that Azerbaijan was preparing for a full-scale war.
It is expected that Armenia's betrayal will lead to a decrease in support for it. If Azerbaijan really starts a war, Armenia may be unbearable. This incident has attracted great attention in the world, and relations between Russia and Armenia will also be severely tested.
There is no doubt that Armenia's decision is a huge blow to Russia. In the international arena, the number of allies of Russia has drastically decreased. In the face of international pressure, Russia will have to re-examine its foreign policy to meet the challenges ahead.