Ryzhankou Proposes Denying Armenia Access To CSTO Documents

Reform.news Editorial Team · 12 November 2026, 11:32

https://reform.news/en/ryzhankou-proposes-denying-armenia-access-to-csto-documents/

Belarusian Foreign Minister Maksim Ryzhankou has called Armenia a pseudo-ally and proposed restricting its access to classified documents of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO).

Ryzhankou noted that in recent years Armenia has demonstrated a passive approach to its participation in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and the CSTO.

“All these steps that are being taken amount to passive participation and the use of certain knowledge and advantages derived from membership in these associations for one’s own selfish interests, which, let us say, do not align with the goals of the integration associations. Because we want to be strong, we want to show solidarity on political issues, economic issues and security matters. But you know what the situation looks like? I will take what interests me from you — certain prices for gas and oil, and, well, the transportation of my goods to the end consumer. The rest does not concern us,” Ryzhankou told Belarus-1 television.

The head of Belarus’s Foreign Ministry said Armenia’s attitude could not go unnoticed.

“For a certain period, the allocation of staff positions under the quota system and participation in the decisions of certain organisations have been suspended,” Ryzhankou said.

The head of Belarus’s Foreign Ministry supports restricting Armenia’s access to classified CSTO documents.

“I am sure that access to certain documents of a classified nature will be restricted. Why should we give such a pseudo-ally full access to documentation that is highly confidential on these matters? It could potentially be used against the interests of the countries that are genuinely intent on further developing our integration association in a spirit of solidarity and unity. Perhaps, perhaps — I am speaking purely hypothetically here,” Ryzhankou said.

He reiterated his position, questioning why a pseudo-ally should be granted full access to highly classified documentation. He noted that he was speaking hypothetically about the possibility that such access could be used in ways contrary to the interests of countries seeking to further develop the integration association in a spirit of solidarity and unity.

At the CSTO summit in Moscow on November 11, Armenia was stripped of its voting rights in the organisation over “failure to fulfil its obligations,” according to reports.