Inside the secret arms deal that cost Vladimir Putin a loyal ally in Europe

Leaked documents revealed an arms deal between Belarus and Azerbaijan, in a blow to Azerbaijan’s enemy Armenia, and in breach of a Russian-led defence alliance.

The revelation has prompted Armenia to announce its departure from the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO), a significant move that weakens Russian President Vladimir Putin‘s influence over former Soviet states.

Armenia is now turning to the West for protection, seeking support from Europe and NATO after decades of relying on Moscow.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan confirmed the decision during a parliamentary session, stating: “We will leave. We will decide when to leave. We won’t come back, there is no other way.”

The relationship between Armenia and Russia has deteriorated since Azerbaijan’s military campaign in September reclaimed the Karabakh region, ending three decades of ethnic Armenian control. Armenia accused Russian peacekeepers of failing to intervene, a charge Russia denied.

Pashinyan criticised the CSTO for not protecting Armenia and suggested that some members supported Azerbaijan.

“It turned out that its members failed to fulfil their obligations under the treaty and planned the war against us alongside Azerbaijan,” Pashinyan said.

Russia is attempting to balance its relations with both Armenia and Azerbaijan.

The Kremlin is displeased with Armenia’s efforts to strengthen ties with the West, including joining the International Criminal Court, which has indicted Putin for alleged war crimes in Ukraine.

With Armenia’s planned departure, the CSTO’s combined GDP now stands at $2.58 trillion (£2 trillion), significantly less than NATO’s $50.8 trillion (£39.7 trillion).

Armenia’s exit from the CSTO follows similar moves by Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Uzbekistan in 1999. The remaining CSTO members are Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan.