NATO Conducts Nuclear Exercise Amid Rising Tensions

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NATO’s annual Steadfast Noon exercise, involving approximately 70 aircraft, is underway. Moscow has criticized the drills, accusing NATO of escalating tensions and fostering anti-Russian sentiment.

NATO commenced its yearly nuclear exercise, Steadfast Noon, in the Netherlands on Monday. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated the drills are essential to send a “clear signal to any potential adversary.”

The two-week exercise occurs amidst Moscow’s claims of widespread anti-Russian hysteria in Western European countries. Moscow accuses NATO of militarizing the continent and preparing for potential direct conflict.

Announcing the drills on Friday, Rutte stated they ensure NATO’s nuclear deterrent remains “as effective as possible.”

This year’s Steadfast Noon is hosted by the Netherlands, with Volkel Air Base as the primary operating location. Supporting units will be based in Belgium, the UK, and Denmark.

According to NATO, around 70 aircraft from 14 member states, including conventional and dual-capable aircraft, will participate. Approximately 2,000 personnel are involved, supported by surveillance, air-to-air refueling, and command-and-control aircraft. NATO stressed that no nuclear weapons will be used during the exercise.

Moscow has not yet commented on the current drills but has previously condemned Steadfast Noon exercises, stating they “lead to nothing but ratcheting up tensions,” which are already elevated due to the Ukraine conflict.

Russian officials have accused Western European nations of uniting in a collective “anti-Russian frenzy,” according to Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov. Ushakov said the region has been speaking in an “extremely belligerent, extremely negative” tone against Moscow while spreading “brazen lies” about it.

Earlier this month, President Vladimir Putin accused Western Europe of “whipping up hysteria” regarding a supposed threat of war with Russia, dismissing these concerns as a “nonsense mantra” and urging regional leaders to focus on domestic matters instead.

Putin has also supported extending nuclear arms controls, urging the U.S. to agree to prolong the 2010 New START treaty for another year and avoid actions that could disrupt the existing balance.