Armenia has initiated joint military exercises with the United States, signaling a shift towards strengthening ties with Western allies amid strained relations with longtime partner Russia. The military drills, named 'Eagle Partner,' aim to enhance the coordination and cooperation of units involved in international peacekeeping missions, as stated by Armenia's Defense Minister.
Participating in the exercises are Armenian peacekeeping forces, U.S. Army Europe and Africa servicemen, and members of the Kansas National Guard. The exact number of troops involved has not been disclosed. The drills are scheduled to continue until July 24.
Historically, Russia has been Armenia's primary economic partner and ally following the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991. Armenia, a landlocked country that was formerly part of the Soviet Union, hosts a Russian military base and is a member of the Moscow-led security alliance, the Collective Security Treaty Organization.
However, tensions between Armenia and Russia have escalated since Azerbaijan's military campaign last year to reclaim the Karabakh region from ethnic Armenian separatists. Armenian authorities accused Russian peacekeepers deployed to Nagorno-Karabakh of failing to prevent Azerbaijan's offensive, a claim that Moscow refuted, citing a lack of intervention mandate.
Amidst these strained relations, Armenia's Prime Minister has sought to strengthen ties with Western nations, a move that has irked Russia. Armenia's decision to join the International Criminal Court, which indicted Russian President Vladimir Putin for alleged war crimes related to the conflict in Ukraine, further strained relations.
In response to the growing divide, Armenia suspended its involvement in Russian-dominated security alliances, including joint military exercises and summits. The decision to conduct the 'Eagle Partner' drills in collaboration with the United States for the second time has elicited displeasure from Moscow, which views the move as unfriendly.
