'Armenia–US drills are more political than defensive,' says analyst
Joint Armenia–US military drills, codenamed Eagle Partner, have begun in Armenia and will run until 20 August. Held annually since 2023, the exercises focus on preparing participants for peacekeeping missions. This year, special attention will be given to medical evacuation.
Political analyst Beniamin Poghosyan does not believe the drills will play a decisive role in Armenia's defence system.
'We are talking about peacekeeping operations, about a peacekeeping brigade. I would say these exercises have more political than defensive significance – in terms of hard power. But they do show that Armenia–US defence cooperation, which did not start today and has a long history, has intensified in recent years,' he said.
Participants march at the opening ceremony of the drills. Photo: Armenian Ministry of Defence
Participants and objectives
According to the defense ministry, Eagle Partner 2025 involves personnel from Armenia's peacekeeping brigade, the US Army Europe and Africa, and the Kansas National Guard.
Armenian armed forces chief of staff Edward Asryan and US ambassador to Armenia Kristina Kvien attended the opening ceremony of the drills. Photo: Armenian Ministry of Defence
Objectives of the drills:
improve coordination between units taking part in international peacekeeping missions
share experience in command and tactical communication
enhance the readiness of Armenia's peacekeeping unit
Comment
According to political analyst Beniamin Poghosyan, similar drills have been held in Armenia for the past three years. However, he does not rule out that this year's format could lead to a broader range of training for servicemen in the future.
'Whether this could become the basis for larger-scale exercises in the future, or drills involving not only members of the peacekeeping brigade, is hard to say. But it is clear that Armenia–US defence cooperation is continuing – and its continuation at least leaves open the possibility of expansion,' he said.
The analyst noted that the first Armenia–US exercises in Yerevan were held after the Armenian government decided not to take part in drills of the CSTO military bloc, which operates under Russia's aegis. Since then, Moscow has consistently criticised Armenia–US exercises, with Russian politicians claiming that through them, the US is imposing NATO standards on Armenia. This year, the Kremlin has yet to comment on Eagle Partner.
Armenia has long ceased participating in CSTO activities, with the authorities accusing their bloc allies of failing to meet their obligations. They say the CSTO did not ensure Armenia's border security, in breach of commitments under the organisation's charter, referring to events in 2021–2022 when Armenian forces requested help over an incursion by Azerbaijan's military into its sovereign territory. CSTO members declined, arguing that Armenia's border with Azerbaijan was not yet delimited.
Prime minister Nikol Pashinyan said: 'Saying there is no border between Armenia and Azerbaijan means claiming there is no area of responsibility for the Collective Security Treaty Organization. And if there is no area of responsibility, there is no organisation.' Armenia has since frozen its CSTO membership, and in his most recent press conference, Pashinyan said the country is more likely to leave the bloc than to unfreeze its participation.
Beniamin Poghosyan believes the Kremlin will not take harsh measures against Armenia unless it crosses three 'red lines':
'The first red line is the operation of the Russian military base in Armenia [the 102nd base is stationed in Gyumri], which under the agreement is to remain until 2044. The second red line is membership in the Eurasian Economic Union [also operating under Russia's aegis]. The third red line is a de jure withdrawal from the CSTO.'
Regarding the West's position on Armenia's CSTO membership, Poghosyan noted that France and the United States under the Biden administration signalled to Armenia's leadership that freezing its membership was the right move. However, they advised against rushing a de jure withdrawal. Therefore, he does not believe Armenia's formal membership in the CSTO is an obstacle to cooperation with the West.
He cited the example of Armenia–France defence cooperation, which has been expanding in weapons supplies and training:
'We have never received any indication from France that de jure CSTO membership hinders cooperation. There have been no statements suggesting they would sell more weapons if Armenia were not a member. At least, I have never heard anything like that.'
According to Poghosyan, the same applies to Armenia–US defence cooperation — formal CSTO membership is not a barrier. However, it could limit the transfer of advanced technologies:
'In the US, there is a clear division regarding which groups of states can be supplied with certain advanced technologies. I do not rule out that as long as Armenia remains a de jure CSTO member, there may be problems related to the export of specific technologies.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Herald Scotland
2 hours ago
- The Herald Scotland
Ukraine cause akin to Second World War Allies, Starmer says before Alaska talks
Speaking in Downing Street, Sir Keir said: 'I sat on this terrace this very morning with President (Volodymyr) Zelensky, who is fighting for the same values as we were fighting for. And so when we say never forget, we must pass on the stories of those who have gone before us.' It came as US President Donald Trump suggested European leaders could be invited to a second meeting if the summit is successful, which could pave the way to peace in the war between Russia and Ukraine. President Donald Trump (Alex Brandon/AP) Mr Trump will meet Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday at the summit which could see the drawing up of peace terms for Ukraine. Mr Trump and Sir Keir have spoken optimistically about a potential ceasefire, including at a virtual meeting of Ukrainian allies on Wednesday. Leaders of the European-led 'coalition of the willing' could then join talks between Mr Trump, Mr Putin and Ukrainian leader Mr Zelensky to end the war. The possibility was raised by Mr Trump in the White House on Thursday, before he flew to Anchorage where he will meet Mr Putin. He said: 'We have a meeting with President (Vladimir) Putin tomorrow, I think it's going to be a good meeting. 'But the more important meeting will be the second meeting that we're having. We're going to have a meeting with President Putin, President Zelensky, myself, and maybe we'll bring some of the European leaders along. Maybe not.' The PA news agency understands that Sir Keir will attend a meeting if he is invited. He has been a central player in the coalition group which also includes French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Mr Trump added: 'I think President Putin will make peace. I think President Zelensky will make peace. We'll see if they can get along. And if they can it will be great.' The head of the British armed forces, Sir Tony Radakin, said the West should not be 'cowed' by Mr Putin and praised the strength of Britain and Nato. Writing in the Telegraph on the anniversary of VJ Day, he said: 'Putin doesn't want a war with Nato because he would lose. So we should not be cowed by his rhetoric or his campaign of sabotage, outrageous as it may be. 'The one weapon that is most needed in our arsenal is confidence. Despite the global instability, Britain is secure at home. Nato is strong. Russia is weak. It is not complacent to point this out.' Sir Keir met Mr Zelensky in Downing Street on Thursday. They both said there was 'strong resolve' for peace in Ukraine. The two leaders embraced as the red carpet was rolled out for Mr Zelensky's arrival in Downing Street, and they later discussed the conflict. They expressed cautious optimism about the prospect of a truce 'as long as Putin takes action to prove he is serious' about ending the war, a Downing Street statement said. In a separate statement, Mr Zelensky said there had been discussions about the security guarantees required to make any deal 'truly durable if the United States succeeds in pressing Russia to stop the killing'. But concerns linger over the prospect of Kyiv being excluded from negotiations over its own future, and pressured to cede territory, after Mr Trump suggested any agreement may need to involve 'swapping of land'.
ITV News
2 hours ago
- ITV News
Ukraine cause akin to Second World War Allies, Starmer says before Alaska talks
Ukraine is fighting for the same values as the Allies did in the Second World War, Sir Keir Starmer has said ahead of a summit in Alaska that could see an end to the conflict against Russia. The Prime Minister addressed a reception, including veterans, to mark the 80th anniversary of VJ Day, which marked the Allies' defeat of Japan. Speaking in Downing Street, Sir Keir said: 'I sat on this terrace this very morning with President (Volodymyr) Zelensky, who is fighting for the same values as we were fighting for. And so when we say never forget, we must pass on the stories of those who have gone before us.' It came as US President Donald Trump suggested European leaders could be invited to a second meeting if the summit is successful, which could pave the way to peace in the war between Russia and Ukraine. Mr Trump will meet Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday at the summit which could see the drawing up of peace terms for Ukraine. Mr Trump and Sir Keir have spoken optimistically about a potential ceasefire, including at a virtual meeting of Ukrainian allies on Wednesday. Leaders of the European-led 'coalition of the willing' could then join talks between Mr Trump, Mr Putin and Ukrainian leader Mr Zelensky to end the war. The possibility was raised by Mr Trump in the White House on Thursday, before he flew to Anchorage where he will meet Mr Putin. He said: 'We have a meeting with President (Vladimir) Putin tomorrow, I think it's going to be a good meeting. 'But the more important meeting will be the second meeting that we're having. We're going to have a meeting with President Putin, President Zelensky, myself, and maybe we'll bring some of the European leaders along. Maybe not.' The PA news agency understands that Sir Keir will attend a meeting if he is invited. He has been a central player in the coalition group which also includes French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Mr Trump added: 'I think President Putin will make peace. I think President Zelensky will make peace. We'll see if they can get along. And if they can it will be great.' The head of the British armed forces, Sir Tony Radakin, said the West should not be 'cowed' by Mr Putin and praised the strength of Britain and Nato. Writing in the Telegraph on the anniversary of VJ Day, he said: 'Putin doesn't want a war with Nato because he would lose. So we should not be cowed by his rhetoric or his campaign of sabotage, outrageous as it may be. 'The one weapon that is most needed in our arsenal is confidence. Despite the global instability, Britain is secure at home. Nato is strong. Russia is weak. It is not complacent to point this out.' Sir Keir met Mr Zelensky in Downing Street on Thursday. They both said there was 'strong resolve' for peace in Ukraine. The two leaders embraced as the red carpet was rolled out for Mr Zelensky's arrival in Downing Street, and they later discussed the conflict. They expressed cautious optimism about the prospect of a truce 'as long as Putin takes action to prove he is serious' about ending the war, a Downing Street statement said. In a separate statement, Mr Zelensky said there had been discussions about the security guarantees required to make any deal 'truly durable if the United States succeeds in pressing Russia to stop the killing'. But concerns linger over the prospect of Kyiv being excluded from negotiations over its own future, and pressured to cede territory, after Mr Trump suggested any agreement may need to involve 'swapping of land'.
Western Telegraph
2 hours ago
- Western Telegraph
Ukraine cause akin to Second World War Allies, Starmer says before Alaska talks
The Prime Minister addressed a reception, including veterans, to mark the 80th anniversary of VJ Day, which marked the Allies' defeat of Japan. Speaking in Downing Street, Sir Keir said: 'I sat on this terrace this very morning with President (Volodymyr) Zelensky, who is fighting for the same values as we were fighting for. And so when we say never forget, we must pass on the stories of those who have gone before us.' It came as US President Donald Trump suggested European leaders could be invited to a second meeting if the summit is successful, which could pave the way to peace in the war between Russia and Ukraine. President Donald Trump (Alex Brandon/AP) Mr Trump will meet Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday at the summit which could see the drawing up of peace terms for Ukraine. Mr Trump and Sir Keir have spoken optimistically about a potential ceasefire, including at a virtual meeting of Ukrainian allies on Wednesday. Leaders of the European-led 'coalition of the willing' could then join talks between Mr Trump, Mr Putin and Ukrainian leader Mr Zelensky to end the war. The possibility was raised by Mr Trump in the White House on Thursday, before he flew to Anchorage where he will meet Mr Putin. He said: 'We have a meeting with President (Vladimir) Putin tomorrow, I think it's going to be a good meeting. 'But the more important meeting will be the second meeting that we're having. We're going to have a meeting with President Putin, President Zelensky, myself, and maybe we'll bring some of the European leaders along. Maybe not.' The PA news agency understands that Sir Keir will attend a meeting if he is invited. He has been a central player in the coalition group which also includes French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Mr Trump added: 'I think President Putin will make peace. I think President Zelensky will make peace. We'll see if they can get along. And if they can it will be great.' The head of the British armed forces, Sir Tony Radakin, said the West should not be 'cowed' by Mr Putin and praised the strength of Britain and Nato. Writing in the Telegraph on the anniversary of VJ Day, he said: 'Putin doesn't want a war with Nato because he would lose. So we should not be cowed by his rhetoric or his campaign of sabotage, outrageous as it may be. 'The one weapon that is most needed in our arsenal is confidence. Despite the global instability, Britain is secure at home. Nato is strong. Russia is weak. It is not complacent to point this out.' Sir Keir met Mr Zelensky in Downing Street on Thursday. They both said there was 'strong resolve' for peace in Ukraine. The two leaders embraced as the red carpet was rolled out for Mr Zelensky's arrival in Downing Street, and they later discussed the conflict. They expressed cautious optimism about the prospect of a truce 'as long as Putin takes action to prove he is serious' about ending the war, a Downing Street statement said. In a separate statement, Mr Zelensky said there had been discussions about the security guarantees required to make any deal 'truly durable if the United States succeeds in pressing Russia to stop the killing'. But concerns linger over the prospect of Kyiv being excluded from negotiations over its own future, and pressured to cede territory, after Mr Trump suggested any agreement may need to involve 'swapping of land'.
