On December 4, 2024, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced that Armenia has reached a point of no return in its relationship with the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO). He stated that Yerevan is no longer participating in the development of CSTO documents or discussions and is not making proposals or vetoing any actions.
Pashinyan emphasized, "In essence, we already consider ourselves outside of the CSTO." He referred to the territorial claims and aggression faced by Armenia in 2021-2022, noting that the CSTO allies responded by stating that the borders were not delineated. He remarked that if the CSTO does not have a zone of responsibility in Armenia, then the organization effectively does not exist.
The Prime Minister reiterated that Armenia is decisively moving towards exiting the organization, having previously announced on August 31 that its participation in the CSTO has been frozen at all levels.
In June, the United States and Armenia declared a strategic partnership, with Washington proposing to expand military cooperation with Yerevan. U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs James O'Brien highlighted that the first joint military exercises took place in 2023, expressing hope for further development of military relations between the two countries. In July, Armenia hosted the Eagle Partner exercises involving Armenian and American troops.
Armenia's collaboration with the West has intensified following the war with Azerbaijan, which resulted in Armenia losing control over Nagorno-Karabakh. During that conflict, Armenia sought assistance from the CSTO, but the organization, with Russia playing a key role, limited its response to expressions of concern and condolences, citing formal reasons for its inability to assist the Armenian authorities in protecting Karabakh.