We are alarmed by the counterproductive and ultimatum, sometimes also offensive rhetoric which today dominates the statements of the Armenian leadership and is instilled in the Armenian society on CSTO topics. Maria Zakharova, the official representative of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), stated this at a press briefing Wednesday.

"We [i.e. Russia] have never questioned, don’t question, and will not question the sovereign right of any state to express its foreign policy, including the degree of participation in the work of certain international and regional organizations, based on its national interests and accepted obligations. It fully applies to the CSTO. At the same time, we cannot help but be concerned by the counterproductive and ultimatum, and sometimes offensive rhetoric which today dominates the statements of the Armenian leadership and is literally instilled in the Armenian society on the subject of the organization," said the official representative of the Russian MFA.

At the same time, Zakharova emphasized that the CSTO is "countries, states, and people who over the decades created not only this organization, but also formed this very security which ensured peace and stability in our vast territory. Huge countries in area and, by the way, a very difficult period from the point of view of the historical period.”

As an example, she listed the withdrawal of countries from the former Soviet Union, the formation of their own statehood, challenges in international security, new challenges and threats.

"I consider unacceptable the demeaning attitude towards the work of a huge number of people, which we have seen and the results of which have been obvious to everyone for a long time," said Maria Zakharova.