YEREVAN — Armenia, a small landlocked nation in the South Caucasus, has been facing a challenging geopolitical landscape in recent years. However, on Monday, the country took a significant step towards strengthening its ties with the United States, its longtime partner and ally, by launching joint military drills.
The “Eagle Partner” war games, which are set to last through July 24, are aimed at increasing the interoperability of units participating in international peacekeeping missions. This move reflects the efforts of Armenia’s leader, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, to forge closer ties with the U.S. and other Western allies as the country’s relations with its traditional ally Russia have soured.
The exercises involve Armenian peacekeeping forces, U.S. Army Europe and Africa servicemen, and the Kansas National Guard. This joint effort will not only enhance the military capabilities of the participating units but also strengthen the bond between the two nations.
Since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, Russia has been Armenia’s main economic partner and ally. However, the recent conflict over the Nagorno-Karabakh region has strained their relationship. In 2020, Azerbaijan launched a military campaign to take control of the region, ending three decades of ethnic Armenian separatist rule. The Armenian government accused Russian peacekeepers, who were deployed to Nagorno-Karabakh after the previous round of hostilities, of failing to stop Azerbaijan’s onslaught. However, Moscow rejected these accusations, stating that its troops did not have a mandate to intervene.
Amid this delicate situation, Russia has been trying to balance its relations with both Armenia and Azerbaijan, as well as its main ally Turkey. However, the Kremlin has been displeased with Prime Minister Pashinyan’s efforts to strengthen Armenia’s ties with the West and distance the country from Moscow-dominated alliances. In fact, Armenia’s decision to join the International Criminal Court, which indicted Russian President Vladimir Putin for alleged war crimes connected to Russia’s war in Ukraine, further strained their relationship.
As the rift with Russia continued to widen, Armenia took the bold step of freezing its participation in the Russian-dominated security alliance, cancelling its involvement in joint military drills, and even snubbing the bloc’s summits. This move was met with disappointment in Moscow, where officials called it “unfriendly.”
This is not the first time Armenia has conducted joint military drills with the U.S. In September 2023, the country held similar exercises, which also drew criticism from Russia. However, Armenia’s determination to strengthen its ties with the West remains unwavering. The country sees the U.S. as a key partner in its efforts to diversify its economic and political alliances and reduce its dependence on Russia.
The “Eagle Partner” drills are a significant step in this direction and a clear indication of Armenia’s commitment to building a stronger relationship with the U.S. and other Western nations. These exercises will not only enhance the military capabilities of the participating units but also pave the way for increased cooperation in other areas such as trade, investment, and technology.
As the drills begin, it is essential to note that this is not a move against Russia. Armenia values its longstanding relationship with its neighbor and recognizes the crucial role it plays in the region. However, it is also important for Armenia to diversify its alliances and not be solely dependent on one country. This is a strategic move that will benefit both Armenia and its partners in the long run.
The joint military exercises also send a strong message to the international community. It shows that Armenia is a reliable and responsible partner, committed to promoting peace and stability in the region. As a country that has faced its fair share of challenges, Armenia understands the importance of working together with other nations to overcome them.
In conclusion, the “Eagle Partner” drills represent a significant milestone in Armenia’s efforts to strengthen its ties with the U.S. and other Western allies. It is a positive step towards diversifying its economic and political alliances and reducing its dependence on one country. This move also reflects the country’s determination to promote peace and stability in the region and its commitment to being a responsible global player. As the drills commence, let us hope that they will pave the way for increased cooperation and mutual understanding between Armenia and its partners.
