Armenia and Russia to Hold Large-Scale Military Exercises

Armenia and Russia will conduct a series of planned military exercises this year. This was announced to Armenpress by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Armenia, Artsrun Hovhannisyan.

"Two of these exercises will be more large-scale. The emphases are different, including offensive and defensive maneuvers," said Hovhannisyan.

Former Minister of Defense and expert Vagharshak Harutyunyan mentioned in an interview with Armenpress that these are planned activities. Every year, documents are signed on Armenian-Russian cooperation and within the framework of the CSTO, which also include exercises. On the other hand, when conducting such activities, regional developments and actions are taken into account.

"We are closely monitoring and have seen the Azerbaijani-Turkish exercises. They have been conducted twice this year, also in Nakhchivan, which is a very important direction for us. Therefore, the Armenia-Russia exercises should also be viewed from that perspective," Harutyunyan stated.

He noted that the primary purpose of the exercises is the planned preparation of troops, while another is the response to the regional military-political situation. In this context, one of the primary issues is ensuring Armenia's security in the event of aggression.

Referring to the border situation, Vagharshak Harutyunyan stated that there was a time when tensions had decreased, but now they have increased a bit.

The Azerbaijani and Turkish Armed Forces conducted joint tactical exercises in Nakhchivan at the beginning of June. Artsrun Hovhannisyan noted that the Armed Forces of the Republic of Armenia are carrying out more large-scale and substantive exercises together with their strategic ally, the Russian Federation.