NATO to Conduct Nuclear Exercise "Steadfast Noon"

Next week, the North Atlantic Alliance will carry out its annual "Steadfast Noon" exercise concerning the handling of nuclear weapons, against the backdrop of recent threats from Russia regarding its withdrawal from the nuclear test ban treaty, as announced by NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg at the final press conference following the defence ministers' meeting.

"Russia's war in Ukraine serves as a reminder of the vital role NATO's nuclear weapons play in deterring aggression," Stoltenberg emphasized.

"Next week, NATO will conduct its annual nuclear exercise, 'Steadfast Noon.' This is a key training event held every October. This year, the exercise will take place in Italy, Croatia, and the Mediterranean Sea," he explained.

According to Stoltenberg, the exercise will serve as a demonstration of the effectiveness and safety of NATO's nuclear deterrence.

"This sends a clear signal that NATO is committed to the defence of all its allies," the Secretary-General added.

Steadfast Noon is an annual exercise conducted in various NATO member countries in October. Its purpose is to coordinate the actions of NATO member states in the event of a nuclear war in Europe. NATO has specified that nuclear weapons are not used during Steadfast Noon; instead, the military focuses on practicing the transshipment and installation procedures.

Jens Stoltenberg previously described Moscow's threats to withdraw from the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty as irresponsible and noted that there had been no changes in the deployment of Russian nuclear forces.

"Moscow needs to understand that a nuclear war cannot be won and should never be fought. We continue to closely monitor Russia's actions," Stoltenberg stated.

He noted that the Kremlin's statements about its intention to withdraw from the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty demonstrate Russia's disregard for its international commitments and challenge global norms on nuclear testing.

"NATO allies have adhered to these norms for over 25 years and have no plans to resume nuclear testing. Putin is attempting to use nuclear blackmail as a means of intimidation to deter allies from supporting Ukraine. However, he will not succeed, as it is in our security interests for Ukraine to prevail," Jens Stoltenberg stressed.