NATO Secretary General: "Russia's Nuclear Threat Irresponsible, Unacceptable... Conducting Nuclear Deterrence Exercises"

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) condemned Russia's recent nuclear threats and announced that it will conduct training to strengthen nuclear deterrence and nuclear strategy.

On the 11th (local time), Jens Stoltenberg, NATO Secretary General, stated at a press conference held at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, "Russian President Vladimir Putin's veiled nuclear threats are dangerous and irresponsible," and criticized, "Russia knows that there are no winners in a nuclear war and that it must never happen."

He added, "We are currently closely monitoring Russia's nuclear forces, and (so far) there has been no change in Russia's posture. We will not be complacent at all," emphasizing, "On the 13th, I will chair the regular meeting of the Nuclear Planning Group, and next week, we plan to conduct 'Steadfast Noon'."

The regular meetings of the Nuclear Planning Group have been held since 1966 as a decision-making body that reviews nuclear policies, including the operation of nuclear weapons at the NATO alliance level, and develops and implements extended deterrence policies. The Steadfast Noon exercise is an annual nuclear deterrence strengthening training conducted around this time in Europe by NATO allies, simulating nuclear war scenarios. It is reported that previous exercises involved the deployment of strategic bombers and other forces possessed by some allied countries.

Secretary General Stoltenberg emphasized that both the Nuclear Planning Group meeting and the nuclear deterrence exercise are 'regular and annual' events. He explained, "Steadfast Noon has long been planned by NATO," and "It is an annual regular exercise aimed at maintaining our deterrence safely, reliably, and efficiently."

However, beyond simply holding regular events, the public declaration to conduct meetings and exercises to strengthen nuclear deterrence is interpreted as sending a strong warning message along with condemnation toward Russia.