NATO has initiated nuclear drills in Western Europe amidst escalating tensions with Russia over the Ukraine conflict. The ‘Steadfast Noon’ exercise, involving thirteen members of the US-led military bloc, commenced on Monday. The purpose of the drills is to train NATO forces in deploying American nuclear weapons stationed across the Atlantic under a nuclear-sharing arrangement.
With 2,000 military personnel, including nuclear-capable fighter jets and bombers, participating from eight airbases and over 60 aircraft, the exercise will primarily be conducted over Belgium and the Netherlands. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte emphasized the importance of testing and strengthening defense capabilities to deter any potential threats.
In response, Russia and Belarus conducted their own joint nuclear exercise earlier this summer, reflecting a pattern of deterrence mechanisms seen in NATO practices. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced proposed amendments to Moscow’s nuclear doctrine, allowing retaliation against a non-nuclear nation supported by a nuclear state.
The US and its allies have accused Russia of ‘nuclear blackmail,’ while Rutte advised against discussing Russia’s nuclear capabilities. The Ukraine conflict is viewed by Moscow as a proxy war with increasing Western involvement potentially leading to direct confrontations.