Russian envoy says Armenia has stopped CSTO payments for two years

Armenia has failed to pay its required 10% contribution to the Collective Security Treaty Organization’s budget for the past two years, Russia’s envoy to the bloc said Friday.

Victor Vasilyev, Russia’s permanent representative to the CSTO, told RIA Novosti that Moscow covers half of the alliance’s budget, while other member states are expected to contribute 10% each. “Armenia has not been paying its share for two years,” he said.

Armenia suspended its participation in the Moscow-led security alliance in 2024. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said in mid-2025 that leaving the bloc was more likely than resuming full membership.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov warned in June that the CSTO may invoke a clause in its charter addressing members who fail to meet their obligations, citing Yerevan’s lack of financial support.