MOSCOW – The Kremlin has condemned NATO’s annual nuclear exercises, which began on October 14, warning that the drills are escalating tensions amidst the ongoing war in Ukraine. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that conducting such exercises during a “hot war” only heightens the risk of further escalation.
The NATO “Steadfast Noon” exercise, involving nuclear-capable military aircraft such as F-35A fighter jets and B-52 bombers, includes participation from 13 nations and is being hosted by Belgium and The Netherlands. NATO officials have framed the exercise as a powerful demonstration of the alliance’s nuclear deterrence capabilities. However, Russia views these exercises as provocative given the current conflict.
Peskov emphasized that, due to Western involvement in the Ukrainian conflict, including nuclear powers like the U.S., U.K., and France, discussions on nuclear arms with the United States are currently impossible. He suggested that any future talks on nuclear security would need to consider broader issues related to the ongoing conflict and global security.
His comments came in response to U.S. President Joe Biden’s statement after the award of the Nobel Peace Prize to the Japanese anti-nuclear group Nihon Hidankyo, where Biden reiterated that the U.S. is open to engaging in nuclear arms talks with Russia, China, and North Korea.
In a separate remark, Peskov dismissed claims made by Germany’s intelligence service chief Bruno Kahl, who suggested that Russian forces could be in a position to attack NATO territory by the end of the decade. Peskov said that it was NATO, not Russia, that had expanded its military infrastructure, and described the notion of Russian forces posing a danger to NATO as “illogical.”
The heightened nuclear rhetoric and exercises take place against the backdrop of a prolonged war in Ukraine, where Russia continues its military operations despite mounting international condemnation and sanctions.