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The CSTO will clarify the position of Armenia, who stated it will not host CSTO military exercises in 2023, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters Tuesday, adding that Moscow will continue the dialogue with Yerevan on complicated issues, TASS reported.

"This is a rather new statement from the Armenian Prime Minister; I believe the CSTO colleagues will stay in contact, will clarify the details of Armenia’s position," the spokesman said, commenting on Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s statement that Armenia will not host CSTO exercise in 2023.

"In any case, Armenia is our very close ally, and we will continue the dialogue, including the issues that are very complicated at the moment," Peskov assured.

Earlier on Tuesday, Pashinyan said during a press conference that the defense minister of Armenia sent a written notification to the CSTO joint staff that, in the current situation, Yerevan considers hosting CSTO drills in the republic unfeasible. According to the Prime Minister, no such drills will be hosted this year, at least.

Previously, the Russian Defense Ministry announced that Russian Ground Forces will take part in eight international drills on Russian military grounds in 2023. The Ministry added that Russian servicemen will also be involved in the CSTO peacekeeping contingent exercise in Armenia.