Nato to start annual ‘nuclear deterrence’ drills amid Russia tensions

Nato announced it would commence its annual nuclear deterrence exercises in Italy on Tuesday, amid heightened tensions with Russia. The drills, known as Steadfast Noon, will be held from October 13 to 23 and involve 17 countries. This routine training activity is part of Nato's ongoing efforts to maintain readiness and test procedures that bolster the alliance's deterrence and defense capabilities, according to a Nato statement.

No live weapons will be utilized during the exercises, emphasizing that the drills are not linked to current geopolitical events or directed against any specific nation. Nato Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg affirmed that while Nato is a defensive alliance, the drills serve to ensure a secure, effective, and credible capability to maintain peace, deter coercion, and discourage aggression. The message of unity and resolve is also conveyed through these exercises, according to Stoltenberg.

Russia, currently engaged in an invasion of Ukraine since 2022, has accused Nato of conducting provocative actions near its Kaliningrad exclave. The Russian government has threatened to use its entire nuclear arsenal if necessary. Nato has dismissed these accusations, stating that their officials have not observed any significant shifts in Russia's nuclear posture.