A joint military exercise between American and Armenian troops in the suburbs of Yerevan has incited strong reactions from the Kremlin. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova expressed concerns on Thursday, stating that Armenia’s shift towards NATO could destabilize the South Caucasus region.
The 11-day exercise, named Eagle Partner 24, commenced on July 15, 2024, at the Vazgen Sargsyan Military School. Attended by hundreds of U.S. and Armenian service members, the exercise aims to enhance interoperability during peacekeeping and stability operations. U.S. Ambassador to Armenia Kristina Kvien and Armenian Defense Minister Suren Papikyan were present at the opening ceremony, emphasizing the growing bilateral cooperation.
EaglePartner 2024 #Armenia–#USA military drills continue. pic.twitter.com/EKJv5hf9WQ
— Jora (@TheScarmind) July 21, 2024
Zakharova criticized Armenia’s increasing alignment with the West, suggesting it could upset the regional balance and spark new conflicts. She highlighted the Kremlin’s concern over the presence of American forces in the South Caucasus, fearing it may fuel existing tensions and create new conflict zones.
Armenia’s participation in Eagle Partner represents a shift in its foreign policy. Following Azerbaijan’s victory in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and perceived inadequate support from Russia, Armenia has sought to strengthen ties with Western allies. The pivot includes exploring cooperation on constructing a new nuclear power plant and welcoming a Pentagon resident adviser to its Ministry of Defense.
Strengthening Partnerships 🇦🇲🦅🇺🇸
This week, U.S. & #Armenian service members conducted crowd control & weapons familiarization training as part of 🇦🇲’s #EaglePartner 2024.
This exercise showcases the ability to collaborate & operate in a joint, high-intensity environment,… pic.twitter.com/5ibCi3MNZ6
— U.S. European Command (@US_EUCOM) July 20, 2024
The U.S.-Armenian exercise marks a significant geopolitical shift, especially after Armenia’s withdrawal from the Russian-led Collective Security Treaty Organization earlier this year. Despite the Kremlin’s warnings, Armenia continues to strengthen its ties with NATO countries, reflecting its changing priorities.
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