Turkish Military Cooperation Prompts Russian Military Moves in the Caucasus

There has been growing military cooperation between Turkey, Georgia and Azerbaijan over the past six weeks. From May 31 to June 10, Turkish, Georgian and Azerbaijani military forces held a series of military exercises dubbed "Caucasian Eagle" in eastern Turkey. Several days earlier, on May 25, Baku hosted tactical drills by the armed forces of Azerbaijan and Turkey. These exercises are only a few of those already held this year and represent a continuation of last year's more limited military cooperation.

The recent increase in military activities in the South Caucasus by the three countries coincides on the one hand with Moscow's heavy involvement in the Ukrainian conflict and on the other with Ankara's growing desire to broaden its geopolitical role across its eastern and northeastern frontiers. Moscow will use heightening military activity on the part of Turkey, Georgia and Azerbaijan to justify strengthening its military position in Armenia. At the same time, despite growing cooperation with other neighboring countries, Azerbaijan will still have to depend on Moscow for military equipment and technology.