NATO Nuclear Drills Looming, Moscow Told 'No Need to Worry'
According to sources cited by Politico on October 8, NATO is seeking to ease tensions with Russia ahead of its annual nuclear exercise, "Steadfast Noon," which will be held in Italy this year.
Nasima Barozzi, NATO's director of nuclear policy, stated: "We conduct this exercise every year, and there is no reason for concern."
A NATO representative emphasized that there was no basis for "heightened assessment of the situation," noting the exercise aims to train allied forces and ensure the security of nuclear capabilities.
The drills will simulate a range of scenarios, including alert procedures and air operations. No live nuclear weapons will be used during the exercise, which is scheduled from October 13 to 23 and involves 17 NATO member states.
Andrei Kolesnik, a member of Russia’s State Duma Defense Committee, said on September 16 that provocative actions by Western nations—including military exercises near the Kaliningrad region border and plans to deploy missile systems around Russia—are increasing the risk of nuclear conflict. He asserted that exercises near Kaliningrad are designed to rehearse destruction and occupation of the region. According to him, the proximity of these drills allows local residents to observe them directly from the shoreline.
Original: toutiao.com/article/1878556939629571/
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