The Kremlin has accused NATO of fuelling tensions surrounding the war in Ukraine with its annual nuclear deterrence exercise launched on Monday. "In the context of the hot war being waged in the Ukraine conflict,

The two-week drills will involve over 2,000 military personnel and 60 aircraft from eight airbases. They will take place in Belgium, the Netherlands, and in the airspace over Denmark, the U.K., and the North Sea,

The North Atlantic Alliance launches Steadfast Noon. NATO's nuclear deterrence exercise is held every October. “Nuclear deterrence is the cornerstone of Allied security,” NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte says.

NATO begins the Steadfast Noon exercises, which include the simulation of using nuclear weapons. The Alliance showcases its strength in response to Putin's threats by deploying over 60 different types of aircraft across Europe.