Armenia invites US troops to military exercises
The country of Armenia, which is striving to find a solution outside of the Russian sphere of influence, is planning military exercises with the USA. The joint maneuver, named "Eagle Partner 2024," is scheduled to take place in Armenia from July 15 to July 24, Russia's alliance partner announced. The Defense Ministry in the capital Yerevan stated that the focus of the exercise will be tasks related to peacekeeping missions.
During the disputes between Armenia and its neighbor Azerbaijan, Armenia became disillusioned with its ally Russia. The long-standing conflict escalated again last year when Azerbaijan took control of the autonomously governed region of Nagorno-Karabakh.
Nagorno-Karabakh is de jure part of Azerbaijan but is inhabited by ethnic Armenians. These Armenians fled to Armenia. Russian peacekeeping troops stationed in Nagorno-Karabakh did not intervene.
Armenia, like Azerbaijan a former Soviet republic, intends to leave the Russian-led Military-Political Union of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO). The Armenian government is seeking closer relations with the United States and the European Union instead.
Armenia has repeatedly stated that it will not support Russia in the war against Ukraine and has provided humanitarian aid to Ukraine.
Following Armenia's decision to distance itself from Russia, US troops are set to participate in the military exercises called "Eagle Partner 2024" with Armenia. This strategic partnership aims to strengthen Armenia's peacekeeping capabilities, as highlighted by the Defense Ministry.
Recognizing the value of this partnership, any potential objections from Russia, their former ally and CSTO partner, have not deterred Armenia from its commitment to the joint "Eagle Partner 2024" military exercises with the USA.
