U.S. Military Drills in Armenia Spark Russian Irritation

In the thick of the summer, a 11-day joint military exercise in Yerevan, Armenia, called Eagle Partner, has ignited a furious response from the Kremlin. This intensive drill, coordinated between a small contingent of American and Armenian troops, is slated to wrap up on July 24 and aims to bolster the unity and harmony between the US and Armenia during peacekeeping and stability operations, according to a press release from the US European Command.

The Kremlin's ire isn't sparked by the modest troop numbers, it's more about the opportune timing and symbolic gravity of the joint exercise. The exercise serves as a tangible marker of Armenia's progress in its strategic realignment away from Russia and towards the West, following Yerevan's defeat in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

At the opening ceremony of Eagle Partner, held on July 15, U.S. Ambassador to Armenia, Kristina Kvien, stated, "You [US and Armenian troops] are at the forefront of an important and growing relationship and partnership, and our nations thank you for your personal commitment toward ensuring peace, security, and prosperity."

As Eagle Partner unfolds, Armenian media sources such as Hetq revealed that a Pentagon emissary will act as an advisor to Armenia's Ministry of Defense. Details regarding the advisor's role have yet to be disclosed. Further, the US and Armenia are also exploring the possibility of collaborating on the construction of a fresh nuclear power plant in Armenia. Currently, Russia maintains control over atomic power generation at the Metsamor facility, which has a limited lifespan of twelve years.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova's comments exemplify the mounting concern of the Kremlin. She portrayed the US presence in the Caucasus as a sinister orchestration intended to disrupt the fragile peace in the region, reigniting conflict. Zakharova contended, "The arrival of the Americans in the South Caucasus, which we have seen in various parts of the world, will only fuel the conflict potential persisting in the region, and create new dividing lines, ... not only dividing lines, but also hotbeds of conflict."

Zakharova's remarks indicate that the Kremlin is discomfited by the rapid displacement of its influence in Armenia and is worried that a strengthening US military presence could disturb the development of the North-South corridor, a nascent trade network connecting Russia and Iran. The Kremlin may also be worried that the US is spearheading efforts to foster a durable peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Since Azerbaijan's triumph in the Nagorno-Karabakh war in 2023, Armenia has moved swiftly to bolster its security ties with the West. Concurrently, Yerevan has soured relations with its long-standing security guarantor, Russia, due to claims that Moscow neglected its obligations during the recent conflict. Shortly before Eagle Partner commenced, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced that Yerevan would withdraw from the Russian-led Collective Security Treaty Organization.

While Zakharova's denunciations of instigating trouble in the region contrast sharply with US diplomats' attempts to revitalize the Armenian-Azerbaijani peace process, US Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights, Uzra Zeya, questioned Russia's peacebuilding record in the Caucasus in an interview published by Hetq. Zeya argued, "Washington sees nothing to indicate that Russia's military presence contributes to a more peaceful and stable South Caucasus region."

Although Russia still appears to retain apparent leverage over Armenia through economic dependence on Russian trade and natural gas, the Kremlin has for the most part refrained from aggressive action in response to Armenia's embrace of the West thus far in 2024. It may be that the burdens of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine are constraining Russia's ability to act assertively in the Caucasus.

The ongoing military exercise, Eagle Partner, in Yerevan, Armenia, is generating news, as it represents a significant step in Armenia's migration away from Russia and towards the West, sparking concern from the Kremlin.
The US and Armenia are engaged in policy-and-legislation discussions about the potential construction of a nuclear power plant, a move that could further solidify their relationship and potentially disrupt Russia's control over atomic power generation in Armenia.
The Kremlin's discomfort with the growing US influence in Armenia is evident, as Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova portrays the US presence as a cause for conflict and potential hotbeds of conflict in the region.
The rapid shift in Armenia's alliances has been accelerated since its defeat in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, with Armenia seeking to bolster security ties with the West and distance itself from Russia.
Amidst this change, Armenia's Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced the withdrawal from the Russian-led Collective Security Treaty Organization, signifying a major policy change.
The sports world is unaffected by these geopolitical shifts, as European leagues continue to host football matches, with the Premier League and other sports-analysis outlets focusing on the upcoming seasons and player transfers.
General-news sources have reported an increase in crime-and-justice incidents, including car-accidents and fires, across various cities in the region, furthering concerns about the potential instability due to the increased tensions.
Despite the Kremlin's mounting concern, it has so far shown restraint in its response to Armenia's embrace of the West, possibly due to the distractions posed by ongoing conflicts such as the one in Ukraine.