During a briefing for journalists on April 5, Maria Zakharova, the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry, stated that the timing of the possible deployment of peacekeepers of the countries of the Collective Security Treaty Organization in Armenia depends on the Armenian side. 

"We are convinced that this step will help stabilize the situation in the region. Both Russia and other allies are ready for it," Zakharova said. "Such decisions are coordinated and adopted in the CSTO, approved at the highest level. As soon as the Armenian colleagues are ready, the parties will be able to return to work on fixing the specific modalities of the organization's observation mission," the representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry said, emphasizing that the ball is on the side of Yerevan.

Notably, in recent months, there has been tension between Armenia and the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) over Armenia's refusal to participate in a joint military exercise planned to be held in Kazakhstan in October 2022. Armenia's decision not to participate in the exercise has caused concern among some of the other CSTO members, who believe it undermines the organization's collective defense capabilities. Some members have criticized Armenia's decision for violating its CSTO treaty obligations. Armenia has defended its decision, citing concerns over the ongoing conflict with Azerbaijan. Armenia argues that it needs to focus its military resources on protecting its borders and maintaining stability in the region.

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