Armenia refuses to hold CSTO exercises on its territory

Armenian authorities have notified the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) that Yerevan considers holding the organization’s exercises in the country to be inappropriate. Interfax reported this news, citing Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.

“The Armenian Defense Minister has already informed his colleagues from the CSTO in writing that in this situation we do not consider it appropriate to hold CSTO exercises in Armenia. These exercises, at least this year, will not be held in Armenia,” the prime minister said.

Pashinyan did not elaborate on what “this situation” is.

Earlier, the Russian Defense Ministry announced that CSTO peacekeeping forces would hold joint exercises called “Unbreakable Brotherhood 2023” in Armenia. The Russian Defense Ministry has not yet commented on Pashinyan’s statement.

This is a developing story.