YEREVAN: Armenia is set to host joint military drills with US forces next week, as announced by Yerevan officials on Wednesday. This move underscores the ex-Soviet republic’s shifting relations away from its traditional ally, Russia.
The announcement followed Armenia’s criticism of Russian peacekeepers, alleging their failure to maintain order along the sole route connecting Armenia to the breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh in Azerbaijan.
Armenia’s defence ministry stated that the Eagle Partner 2023 drills are designed to “enhance interoperability” between Armenian and US forces participating in international peacekeeping missions. These joint exercises are scheduled to take place from September 11 to September 20 at Armenia’s Zar training center.
Russia’s Response to Armenia Move
On the other hand, Russia responded to the announcement, expressing “concerns” and pledging to conduct a thorough analysis of the exercises.
