Georgia begins U.S.-led military exercise, angering Russia

The Georgian army began two weeks of military exercises with the United States and Britain on Wednesday, drawing an angry response from former Soviet master Russia which called the war games "a provocative step". 

Russian forces used to be based there until they withdrew at the start of the last decade under the terms of a European arms reduction agreement. 

The United States has spoken favorably of the idea that Georgia might one day join NATO, something Russia firmly opposes.

DYI Comments:  Geopolitics are in play.  Russia is correct this move by the U.S./U.K. is definitely provocative.  The U.S./U.K. NATO EU squeeze play in driving the Russia fleet out of the Black Sea thus opening the way for alliance influence with the oil/gas regions of Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan.

Having military operations this close to Russia would be the same if the Russian's were having joint training operations in Mexico.  The U.S. government along with the public would be demanding Russia leave America's sphere of influence.  Double standards are the trade marks of geopolitics.

DYI