Armenia launches joint military drills with U.S. amid tensions with Russia

The recent joint military drills between Armenia and the United States have raised eyebrows in Moscow as the rift between Armenia and Russia continues to widen. The “Eagle Partner” war games, aimed at increasing interoperability of units participating in international peacekeeping missions, have once again highlighted Armenia’s efforts to forge closer ties with Western allies.

Armenia, traditionally a close ally of Russia, has been distancing itself from Moscow following the conflict with Azerbaijan over the Karabakh region last year. The Armenian government accused Russian peacekeepers of failing to stop Azerbaijan’s military campaign, leading to a strain in relations between the two countries.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s efforts to deepen Armenia’s ties with the West have further angered Russia, with Armenia freezing its participation in Russian-dominated alliances and canceling joint military drills with Moscow. The decision to hold joint military exercises with the United States has been seen as a clear message of Armenia’s intention to pivot towards the West.

As tensions between Armenia and Russia continue to escalate, the “Eagle Partner” drills serve as a symbolic gesture of Armenia’s new direction in foreign policy. The move has drawn criticism from Moscow, but Armenia seems determined to strengthen its ties with Western allies despite the repercussions it may have on its relationship with Russia.