Russian Deputy FM: CSTO members may consider options if Armenia fails to pay contributions

If Armenia does not make financial contributions to the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) by the end of 2025, its member states may explore various options, though expulsion is unlikely, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Pankin told RIA Novosti on Friday.

"There could be a situation where, by January 1, 2026, Armenia has accumulated two years of unpaid contributions. In that case, member states may consider different scenarios," Pankin stated.

However, he added that "expulsion is probably not on the table."

Pankin also noted that other CSTO members previously faced payment arrears due to technical, financial or other reasons.

In February 2024, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced that Armenia had frozen its participation in the CSTO.