The United States and NATO are intensifying their military activities in the Arctic, Russia claims, as the alliance begins a major military exercise in northern Europe.
This was reported by the state-run TASS news agency, citing a statement issued by the Russian Defense Ministry today, without specifying how Russia would respond to NATO's alleged increased military activity.
Nordic Response 24: A massive NATO military exercise in northern Europe – the Finns are also participating for the first time
Russia is strengthening its army in the western part of the country in response to NATO
Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said today, citing Interfax, that Russia has taken initiatives to strengthen its armed forces in the west and northwest of the country in order to confront the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
Major NATO military exercises have begun in Northern Europe
These developments come after the start of major NATO military exercises – now expanded – in northern Europe, in which Finland participates for the first time.
More than 20,000 soldiers from 13 countries will participate in the exercises, which will last for approximately two weeks in the northern regions of Finland, Norway and Sweden.
“Thanks to NATO’s expansion with Finland and Sweden, we are now expanding the exercises to include the Northern Response,” the Norwegian Armed Forces said on its website.
These maneuvers for the Nordic countries are part of the Steadfast Defender 24 maneuvers, which are the largest exercises carried out by NATO in decades, in which up to 90,000 soldiers participate in exercises that last for months aimed at demonstrating the alliance’s ability to defend its entire territory up to its borders with Russia. .
The countries participating in the current exercise, which continues until March 15, are Belgium, Britain, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden and the United States.
“We must be able to respond and stop anyone who tries to challenge our borders, our values and our democracy,” said Brigadier General Troon Strand of the Royal Norwegian Air Force, commander of the Norwegian Air Operations Centre. He added: “In light of the current security situation in Europe, the exercises are very timely and more important than ever.”
APE-MPE, The Associated Press
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