NATO Says It Will Continue Nuclear Drills Despite Russian Threats

NATO Says It Will Continue Nuclear Exercises Despite Russia's Threats

October 9

Although Russia has warned that it would not hesitate to use nuclear weapons if its territory is threatened, NATO has announced that it will proceed with its annual nuclear military exercise next week.

The exercise, named Steadfast Noon, is scheduled to begin on October 13 and will run for 10 days.

Italy will host the exercise, with dozens of aircraft from 17 allied nations reportedly taking part.

NATO's senior nuclear policy official, Nacima Barroso, said this is merely a routine exercise that has been conducted for over a decade and does not pose a threat to any country, including Russia.

She also stated that no live ammunition or nuclear warheads will be used during the exercise.

In late September, Russia had also issued a strong warning to NATO member countries that it would use all weapons, including nuclear weapons, to retaliate if any attempt were made to blockade its Kaliningrad region, where its main Baltic naval base is located.

NATO said it has noticed an increase in Russia's nuclear threats but that Russia has not yet made any concerning military changes on the ground, so it is continuing to monitor the situation closely.

Ref & Photo: AP

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