Sending servicemen to Kazakhstan creates reputational risks for Pashinyan

When deciding to send the Armenian military personnel to Kazakhstan, the Prime Minister, Nikol Pashinyan, acted based on Russia's geopolitical interests, political analysts in Yerevan believe. In their opinion, participation in the CSTO (Collective Security Treaty Organization) operation will not entail sanctions, but will affect the image of Armenia as a democratic state.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that the Armenian Premier Pashinyan, who now chairs the Security Council of the CSTO, satisfied the request of the Kazakh President, Kassym-Jomart Tokaev, to bring the CSTO peacemaking forces into Kazakhstan. Baku analysts believe that this deployment exacerbate the political crisis in Kazakhstan and strengthen anti-Russian sentiments there.

Andrias Gukasyan, a political analyst, believes that taking part in the CSTO mission will affect the Armenia's reputation. According to his story, the West will perceive such a policy as hostile to democratic values.

"Pashinyan is serving Russian interests," Mr Gukasyan has stressed.

Armen Vardanyan, another political analyst, has noted that the CSTO was set up to serve Russian geopolitical interests, and Pashinyan didn't make the decision on his own, it was dictated by Kremlin's interests.