On 17 October, NATO defence ministers plan to review the Alliance’s long-term strategy in response to Russian threats. The newly appointed NATO Secretary General, Mark Rutte, called for not responding to Putin’s nuclear intimidation and stressed that the upcoming nuclear exercises would be an indicator of the bloc’s readiness to respond to the Kremlin’s blackmail, reports FREEDOM.
On 25 September, Kremlin leader Putin proposed changes to Russia’s nuclear doctrine. Moscow noted that these amendments could signal a potential lifting of the ban on Western missile attacks on Russia’s interior by Ukraine. In response, Mark Rutte emphasised NATO’s power and its ability to respond to any threats from adversaries.
‘We are able to stand up to any adversary, and we will not be intimidated by those who try to threaten the Alliance. Putin had better stop doing that,’ Rutte stressed.
NATO also announced the annual Steadfast Noon exercise, which has been taking place for more than a decade. This year’s manoeuvres will involve about 60 aircraft from 13 countries, including B-52 bombers capable of carrying nuclear warheads.
“We can withstand any enemy. And we will never be intimidated by those outside NATO who try to threaten us. He (Putin – ed.) better stop it,” Mark Rutte said.
NATO has announced a large-scale military exercise called Steadfast Noon, which has been traditionally held for more than a decade. About 60 aircraft from 13 countries will take part in this year’s exercise. Among them are B-52 strategic bombers capable of carrying nuclear warheads.
“During the exercise, special attention will be paid to the UK, the North Sea, as well as Belgium and the Netherlands. In a time of uncertainty, it is vital that we test our defences and strengthen them,” said Mark Rutte.
NATO’s nuclear deterrent in Europe is based on the forces of the United States and the United Kingdom. France also possesses nuclear weapons, but they are not part of the Alliance’s common system. Thanks to a wide range of both nuclear and conventional weapons, NATO members have the ability to choose different options for responding to threats, minimising the risk of escalation to a large-scale exchange of nuclear strikes.
‘Other NATO countries, including non-nuclear-weapon states, should be more actively engaged in a policy of nuclear deterrence against Russia, which has not only increased the types, numbers and accuracy of its nuclear weapons for use on the battlefield, but has also begun to demonstrate them more frequently and visibly through field exercises and deployments,’ the US Stimson Center for Security Studies said in a report.
On 17 October, NATO defence ministers are planning to discuss an updated strategy in response to Russian threats. This issue has become extremely relevant after the outbreak of a large-scale war in Ukraine.
