Russia has stripped Armenians of their voting rights in the security organization it leads.

Armenia and Russia are increasingly distancing themselves after Armenia was stripped of its voting rights in the CSTO. The CSTO, founded in 2002 by six post-Soviet states, provided mutual military protection. Armenia's position in the organization changed after the 2023 conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh, leading to a shift towards the EU. In February 2024, Armenia announced it would freeze its CSTO membership and stop paying dues. Recently, due to non-payment, Armenia lost its voting rights in the CSTO council, although its membership remains valid. Armenia is now pivoting towards Europe while still reliant on Russia for energy and security.