NATO is set to start military drills practising the use of Europe's nuclear bombs on Monday after Putin warned direct clashes with Russia would spark 'global catastrophe'.
Its annual nuclear exercise 'Steadfast Noon' will see up to 60 aircrafts take part in training flights over Belgium, the North Sea and Britain.
The nuclear drills - which do not involve live bombs - come after Vladimir Putin said today that a direct clash between NATO and Russian troops would lead to 'global catastrophe'
The alliance said the routine drills were not 'linked to current world events'.
Putin also said today that he sees no need to carry out massive strikes against Ukraine... 'for now'.
On its website, NATO said the exercise, which runs until 30 October, was a routine, recurring training activity and added that no live weapons would be used.
Spokesperson Oana Lungescu, said the exercise helps ensure NATO's nuclear deterrent 'remains safe, secure and effective'.
Putin was speaking in Astana after a meeting of The Commonwealth of Independent States Summit (CIS), where he sat down with fellow leaders of ex-Soviet states.
Other attendees included Belarusian dictator Aleksandr Lukashenko, who said on Friday that Russian troops would soon be arriving to take part in a 'regional grouping' of forces to protect its borders.
'The introduction of troops into a direct confrontation with the Russian army is a very dangerous step that could lead to a global catastrophe,' Putin told reporters. 'I hope that those who speak of this have enough sense not to take such steps.'
No comments:
Post a Comment