Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Pankin expressed optimism about resolving Armenia's suspension of its Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) membership. He emphasized that dialogue with Yerevan is ongoing, covering both bilateral and multilateral agendas.

Pankin also noted that if Armenia fails to pay its membership dues to the CSTO budget by the end of 2025, member states may consider various scenarios. However, he indicated that expulsion is unlikely. He explained that by January 1, 2026, a two-year non-payment situation could prompt discussions among member countries about possible actions.

Additionally, Pankin clarified that Armenia has not submitted an official notification to withdraw from the CSTO and does not intend to leave the organization. Instead, Yerevan has suspended its activities but remains a member state.

In February 2024, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced the suspension of the country's participation in the CSTO. He highlighted that Armenia's return to the organization is becoming increasingly difficult, suggesting that the "point of no return" has been passed.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin stated that Western countries have influenced Armenian authorities to suspend their participation in the CSTO. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov also remarked that Pashinyan's claim that the CSTO "abandoned Armenia in a time of need" does not correspond to reality.