CSTO Considers Expelling Armenia After Membership Freeze

The Collective Security Treaty Organization is considering the formal expulsion of Armenia from the Russian-led military bloc. Secretary General Taalatbek Masadykov announced that the issue may be discussed during a Collective Security Council meeting scheduled for November 11, 2026, in Moscow.

Former Secretary General Nikolai Bordyuzha advocated for the removal of Armenia, arguing that the country obstructs consensus-based decision-making by refusing to pay membership fees or participate in organizational activities. Bordyuzha stated that if Armenia will not withdraw voluntarily, the organization should expel it.

Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan responded by reaffirming that Armenia has frozen its membership and does not intend to return to the bloc. Mirzoyan stated that comments from the secretariat or other member states will not change the position of the Armenian government.