Russia is not happy with its ally Armenia, which is part of the Moscow-led regional Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO). There have been intensifying Armenia-Russia tensions after Moscow's refusal to intervene military on Yerevan's side in the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh War and follow-up clashes of 2022.
Armenia's defense ministry has announced it will host joint military exercises with the United States next week, dubbed the Eagle Partner 2023 drills, which will run September 11-20.
The defense ministry stated the exercises are for the purpose of training for peacekeeping missions. "Within the framework of preparation for peacekeeping missions, units preparing for international peacekeeping operations frequently participate in similar joint exercises and trainings in partner countries," a statement said.
However, the drills appear small, given the Pentagon has confirmed that a mere 85 American soldiers and 175 Armenians will participate. A statement also said it will not involve heavy weaponry, and will feature members of the Kansas National Guard.