London signaled support for Armenia after its decision to suspend CSTO membership, stating readiness to assist Yerevan as it faces what officials describe as threats from Russia. This stance was conveyed by James Hippie, the UK Deputy Minister of Defense, whose remarks were carried by the British broadcaster RT. The message from London framed Armenia’s move as a sovereign choice, with the United Kingdom pledging to work alongside Euro-Atlantic partners to help Armenia navigate the security challenges it perceives from Moscow.
Hippie stressed that the UK intends to maintain a close, cooperative relationship with Armenia, aiming to deepen practical cooperation across defense, security, and broader regional engagement. This sentiment reflects Britain’s broader strategic posture in the South Caucasus, where partners seek stability and stronger alignment with Western institutions in the face of regional pressures.
In a separate analysis aired by a television outlet, Vladimir Olenchenko of the IMEMO RAS Center for European Studies suggested that Western states appear intent on drawing Armenia toward broader European structures. Olenchenko argued that the United States views Armenia as a strategic factor that could complicate Russia’s position, and that Western powers, in his view, sometimes coordinate messaging to advance those aims through allied voices, including those from the United Kingdom.
Armenia’s Security Council discussed the CSTO issue on 6 March, outlining a potential path forward for addressing the country’s security concerns without immediate reliance on the crisis-situation structures of the CSTO. Officials indicated that Armenia is weighing options that balance regional security requirements with its sovereign prerogatives, aiming to preserve autonomy while seeking support from friends and partners who share an interest in regional stability.
Earlier discussions in Armenia reflected concerns about the consequences of leaving the CSTO, including potential shifts in security guarantees, regional security dynamics, and the broader diplomatic landscape. Debates have centered on how Armenia can chart a course that protects its national interests while maintaining constructive relationships with both its traditional partners and Western-oriented allies. The evolving dialogue underscores the sensitivity of security arrangements in the region and the importance of clear, predictable alignments as geopolitical currents shift.