🪖🇷🇺⚡️ — NATO is seeking to ease tensions with Russia ahead of its annual Steadfast Noon nuclear exercise, scheduled for October 13–23 in Italy, involving 17 allied countries, POLITICO reports.

The exercise follows Russian threats to strike NATO territory, including references to possible nuclear weapons use, after allied military drills near Kaliningrad in August.

The alliance says its objective is to maintain nuclear readiness while avoiding miscalculation or further escalation with Russia.