Russia Expresses Concern as Armenia Conducts Joint Military Drills with US Amid Growing Alliance

Russia has expressed "concern" over Armenia's upcoming joint military exercises with the United States, signaling a shift in Armenia's alignment away from Moscow. The exercises, called "Eagle Partner 2023," aim to prepare Armenian forces for international peacekeeping missions. The move comes as Armenia seeks to reduce its dependence on Russia due to the Kremlin's inability to resolve the ongoing conflict with Azerbaijan over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region. Tensions between Russia and Armenia have been escalating, with Moscow's forces unable to prevent the closure of a key road linking Armenia to Nagorno-Karabakh. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has criticized the country's reliance on Russia for security, highlighting the need for diversification.