October 17, 2022
2 mins read

NATO begins nuclear drills amid tensions with Russia

US long-range B-52 bombers will also take part in the manoeuvres, dubbed Steadfast Noon, which will run until October end…reports Asian Lite News

The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) has begun its long-planned annual nuclear exercises in northwestern Europe amid tensions with Russia over its invasion of Ukraine.

Fourteen of NATO’s 30 member countries were due to take part in the exercises, which the military alliance said would involve around 60 aircraft including fighter jets and surveillance and refuelling planes, the Associated Press reported.

The bulk of the war games will be held at least 1,000 kilometres (625 miles) from Russia’s borders.

Pic credits Twitter @DeptofDefense

US long-range B-52 bombers will also take part in the manoeuvres, dubbed Steadfast Noon, which will run until October end.

Meanwhile, the military alliance is not permitting any media access.

It said that training flights will take place over Belgium, which is hosting Steadfast Noon this year, as well as over the North Sea and the United Kingdom. The exercises involve fighter jets capable of carrying nuclear warheads, but do not involve any live bombs, the AP reported.

Last week, Russian President Vladimir Putin warned of a “global catastrophe” if NATO troops directly contact or clash with the Russian army, Reuters reported.

“In any case, direct contact, direct clash of (NATO) troops with the Russian army is a very dangerous move which could lead to a global catastrophe. I hope that those who are saying this are smart enough not to take such a step,” Reuters quoted Putin as saying in Kazakhstan’s capital Astana.

Earlier, Putin had warned that he would use nuclear weapons to defend Russian territory after annexing four regions of Ukraine last month, a move which the UN this week condemned.

On Tuesday, the Group of Seven (G7) nations warned that the use of nuclear weapons on Ukraine will have severe consequences, according to a statement released by the White House.

Leaders of G7 states (the UK, Germany, Italy, Canada, the US, France, and Japan) said, “We deplore deliberate Russian escalator steps, including the partial mobilization of reservists and irresponsible nuclear rhetoric, which is putting global peace and security at risk. We reaffirm that any use of chemical, biological or nuclear weapons by Russia would be met with severe consequences.”

Earlier, US President Joe Biden spoke of nuclear “Armageddon” in a warning about the escalation in Russia’s war in Ukraine during a speech on Thursday.

Biden warned of the “assault” on American institutions and talked of the threat of Russian President Vladimir Putin using nuclear weapons, at the New York home of James Murdoch, the son of media baron Rupert Murdoch.

“We have not faced the prospect of Armageddon since Kennedy and the Cuban missile crisis,” Biden said in New York City.

ALSO READ: Russia warns of World War 3

Previous Story

Bolsonaro, Lula spar in 1st debate of runoff campaign

Next Story

More woes for Shehbaz govt as Imran wins big in by-polls

Latest from -Top News

Hasina’s Defiant Words Before Ouster

Reportedly before leaving Hasina wanted to record a farewell speech to be aired on television, but military officials declined….reports Asian Lite News Following a violent student uprising last year, the Bangladeshi military

FS Misri in US to Boost Tech, Trade Ties

The meeting, held in Washington, focused on strengthening existing frameworks and building momentum on key tech and trade initiatives…reports Asian Lite News Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Wednesday (India time) met with

Activists Targeted Again in Balochistan

The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) on Tuesday condemned the enforced disappearance of Baloch leader Ghani Baloch, blaming Pakistan’s Law Enforcement Agencies and Frontier Corps….reports Asian Lite News The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC),

Islamabad-Ankara-Baku Axis Sharpens Against India

Both Turkey and Azerbaijan have openly expressed solidarity with Pakistan and backed Islamabad in its military standoff with India, this month….reports Asian Lite News The evolving alliance between Islamabad, Ankara, and Baku

India Targets Pak Terror Ties in Guyana

The delegation met the Guyanese President, Mohamed Irfaan Ali, who had hosted a dinner to celebrate friendship and shared aspirations between the two nations…reports Asian Lite News Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, currently
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Indian students evacuated from Ukraine thank officials

For the evacuation of the Indian students stranded in Ukraine,

India’s pivotal peacemaker role in Ukraine-Russia fight

India hopes for Russia’s contribution to post-war Ukraine as a