NATO begins nuclear exercises in the midst of Russia war strains

NATO on Monday started its long-planned annual nuclear exercises in northwestern Europe as tensions simmer over the war in Ukraine and President Vladimir Putin’s risk to make use of any means to defend Russian territory. Fourteen of NATO’s 30 member nations have been due to participate in the exercises, which the army alliance stated would contain round 60 plane together with fighter jets and surveillance and refueling planes.

The bulk of the war video games might be held at the very least 1,000 kilometers (625 miles) from Russia’s borders.

U.S. long-range B-52 bombers can even participate in the maneuvers, dubbed Steadfast Noon, which can run till Oct. 30. NATO just isn’t allowing any media entry.

NATO stated that coaching flights will happen over Belgium, which is internet hosting Steadfast Noon this yr, in addition to over the North Sea and the United Kingdom. The exercises contain fighter jets succesful of carrying nuclear warheads, however don’t contain any reside bombs.

The exercises have been deliberate earlier than Putin ordered Russian troops into Ukraine in February. Russia often holds its personal annual maneuvers round the identical time, and NATO is anticipating Moscow to train its nuclear forces someday this month.