The 2016 Noble Partner military exercises have entered their fifth day. Troops from Georgia, the U.S. and the UK have started the drills at Vaziani military base and it will last until May 26.

Some 500 Georgian, 650 U.S. and 150 British troops are taking part in the drills, billed as the largest ever to be held in the Caucasus nation. The Pentagon’s website says Noble Partner emphasizes the U.S. Army’s abilities to quickly move soldiers and equipment throughout Europe and operate together within a coalition in any potential future operation. 

Russia on Friday denounced the exercises as a “provocative move” by NATO aimed at destabilizing the Caucasus region. Moscow accuses NATO of expanding its forces in the former Eastern Bloc in a bid to counter Russia. Georgia argues these exercises are not directed against anyone and that there is no trace of provocation.

TBILISI, May 14, 2016 (Xinhua) -- Soldiers of Georgia, U.S. and UK participate in the joint military exercises named "Noble Partner 2016" at Vaziani base near Tbilisi in Georgia, May 14, 2016. Georgia announced the three-week long military drill named "Noble Partner 2016" with U.S. and UK at the Vaziani base near its capital Tbilisi on May 11. The drill will last until May 26. (Xinhua/Lasha Kuprashvili)