The military drills aim to prepare Armenian forces for international peacekeeping missions, focusing on stabilizing conflicts.
The U.S. is engaged in military drills with Armenia, a development that has sparked concerns from Russia.
According to an article published by Newsweek, the U.S. is conducting military drills with Armenia, which has raised concerns from Russia. The exercise, called “Eagle Partner 2023,” signifies Armenia’s shift away from Russian influence due to Moscow’s inability to resolve the ongoing Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh. These military drills with Armenia aim to prepare Armenian forces for international peacekeeping missions, focusing on stabilizing conflicts.
Additionally, the military drills with Armenia have garnered attention not only from Russia but also from neighboring countries. Some view these exercises as a strategic move by Armenia to diversify its alliances and strengthen its position in the region. The exercise, named “Eagle Partner 2023,” symbolizes Armenia’s commitment to enhancing its military capabilities and working closely with the U.S. to address regional security challenges.
Despite the diplomatic tensions arising from these military drills with Armenia, both countries stress that the exercises are aimed at improving the readiness and capabilities of Armenian forces.
This cooperation underscores Armenia’s determination to contribute to international peace and stability while pursuing a more independent foreign policy path in the face of ongoing regional conflicts. Furthermore, Armenia’s active involvement in military drills has not only bolstered its own defense capabilities but also strengthened its relationships with neighboring countries.
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Approximately 85 American soldiers and 175 Armenians are involved in the exercise, with no heavy weaponry included. Russia, traditionally influential in the South Caucasus region, has seen deteriorating relations with Armenia over the Nagorno-Karabakh dispute.
According to an article published by Reuters, despite Russian peacekeepers’ presence, tensions persist, particularly regarding the Lachin Corridor, a vital route connecting Armenia to Nagorno-Karabakh. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has criticized his country’s heavy dependence on Russian protection, highlighting Armenia’s need to diversify security partners, including military drills with Armenia.
This move toward diversification includes not allowing scheduled CSTO exercises on Armenian territory, declining participation in alliance drills in Belarus, and purchasing weapons from France.
Armenia’s proposal to ratify the Rome Statute, alongside Anna Hakobyan’s attendance at a Kyiv aid summit, further indicate Armenia’s shift away from Russian influence and alignment with Western partners, including military drills with Armenia.