NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has announced that the alliance will be conducting its annual nuclear deterrence exercises, known as Steadfast Noon, next week. Stoltenberg emphasized the crucial role of NATO’s nuclear forces in maintaining deterrence during a meeting with defense ministers in Brussels, as reported by RIA Novosti. The exercises, which take place every October, will be held this year in Italy, Croatia, and the Mediterranean Sea.
Previously, NATO’s Military Committee Chairman, Rob Bauer, stated in an interview with RAR agency that the alliance will focus on practicing defense strategies for the eastern flank during the Steadfast Defender exercises in 2024. NATO spokesperson Dylan White also revealed that Stoltenberg has established a group of experts tasked with developing a strategy towards the alliance’s southern neighbors. The results of this work are expected to be presented at the upcoming NATO summit in Washington in July next year.
It is worth noting that Russian President Vladimir Putin has previously criticized NATO, viewing it as an instrument of U.S. foreign policy.
