Lavrov pressures Armenia on CSTO stance amid escalating tensions

Lavrov expressed a desire for Armenia to independently decide its future direction and how it intends to uphold the agreements within various integration structures, highlighting the importance of mutual fulfillment.

The tension, according to Lavrov, stems from allegations made by Yerevan accusing Russia of abandoning Armenia during the 2020 conflict with Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh. Lavrov vehemently dismissed these claims as "a brazen lie."

The strain further escalates with the Prime Minister of Armenia, Nikol Pashinyan, who publicly criticized Russia during an interview with France 24, announcing a pause in Armenia's involvement in CSTO activities.

Pashinyan has also accused Moscow of attempting to alter Armenia's government in light of the Armenian exodus from Nagorno-Karabakh in Fall 2023, stating that Russian propaganda pressure remains unyielding, as reported by belsat.eu.

Lavrov retorted by accusing Armenia of deteriorating relations with Moscow, fearing that Yerevan might follow in Kyiv's footsteps toward becoming "the second Ukraine."

Lavrov regretfully noted that Armenia's leadership seems to have deliberately chosen to sour relations with Russia, a move he views as contrary to allied principles.