Armenia, formally a key ally of Russia, has suspended its participation in a Russia-led international alliance, according to its prime minister, Nikol Pashinyan.
The Collective Security Treaty Organization, or CSTO, is considered Russia's equivalent to NATO, and Russian President Vladimir Putin hoped it could rival the Western military alliance.
But splinters have emerged in the group since Russia invaded Ukraine, and Armenia has repeatedly challenged its usefulness.
Pashinyan has frequently expressed frustration with Russia and the CSTO in recent years, accusing the alliance of being ineffective and describing Armenia as no longer an ally of Russia.
Frustrations with Russia have also risen among other CSTO members, experts told Business Insider last year.
Persons:
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Organizations:
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Locations:
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