🏁☢️🇷🇺 NATO tries to calm Moscow ahead of nuclear drills

NATO is seeking to lower tensions with Russia before its annual nuclear exercise, Politico reports.

Steadfast Noon will run in Italy from October 13 to 23 with 17 member states taking part. Forces will rehearse operations in a nuclear scenario, including preparing aircraft for sorties. No live nuclear weapons will be used.

Alliance officials are trying to convince Moscow that the drills pose no threat. NATO's director of nuclear policy, Nassima Barrows, said the exercise is held every year and should signal to Russia that there is no cause for concern, since everything is predictable and leaves no room for miscalculation.

The reassurances come days after Moscow sent NATO a written warning that it is ready to use its entire arsenal, including nuclear weapons, if the alliance attempts to isolate the Kaliningrad region from the rest of Russia.

🔴 @DDGeopolitics