NATO leaders are monitoring Russian nuclear drills as Russia conducts three days of exercises involving strategic missile forces, nuclear-capable submarines, long-range bombers, and ballistic missile units. Mark Rutte warned that any Russian use of nuclear weapons against Ukraine would provoke a devastating response from NATO. The Kremlin said the drills prepare for operations against a probable adversary and include rehearsals for preparing and launching ballistic and cruise missiles and coordinating command for nuclear deterrence missions. The exercises involve more than 64,000 troops, nearly 8,000 pieces of equipment, 140 aircraft, 73 warships, and 13 submarines. The drills also occur in Belarus, where Russia has stationed tactical nuclear weapons since 2023, raising concerns for Ukraine and NATO’s eastern members.
"Asked what NATO's response would be if Russia carried out a nuclear strike on Ukraine, he replied: "They know if that happens, the reaction is devastating." Speaking before a meeting of NATO foreign ministers on Tuesday, Mr Rutte said the alliance was watching the exercises closely amid mounting fears that the Kremlin is escalating nuclear threats against the West."
"Russia began three days of exercises involving strategic missile forces, nuclear-capable submarines, long-range bombers and ballistic missile units in what the Kremlin said was preparation for operations against a "probable adversary". The manoeuvres are also taking place in neighbouring Belarus, where Russia has stationed tactical nuclear weapons since 2023 in one of the most significant shifts in Europe's nuclear posture since the Cold War."
"Moscow said the drills would rehearse the preparation and launch of ballistic and cruise missiles as well as command coordination for nuclear "deterrence" missions. The exercises, which run until May 21, involve more than 64,000 troops, nearly 8,000 pieces of military equipment, 140 aircraft, 73 warships and 13 submarines, according to the Russian defence ministry."
"Kyiv has repeatedly warned that the Kremlin is attempting to draw Belarus deeper into the war while expanding military infrastructure that could threaten both Ukraine and NATO's eastern members. The exercises involve Russia's Strategic Missile Forces, the Northern and Pacific Fleets, and long-range aviation units responsible for the country's nuclear bomber fleet."
Read at London Business News | Londonlovesbusiness.com
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