Russia has informed the United States that it will begin its annual nuclear exercises, which will include the launch of nuclear missiles from Wednesday, according to two US officials.
The annual exercises have been described by US officials as “routine” at this time of year, but nonetheless, Russian rhetoric on the use of nuclear weapons of Ukraine.
Russia’s “Grom” or Thunder nuclear exercises are usually accompanied by large-scale exercises of its strategic nuclear forces, including live missile launches, a senior military official said earlier this month. Officials had expected the annual exercise to take place for several weeks, but only recently received notice from Russia.
Pentagon spokesman Brig said: “Russia is making its notices in compliance with its arms control obligations and its commitment to transparency.” General Patrick Ryder told reporters on Tuesday after confirming that the United States had been notified of the annual exercise.
The Russian exercise coincides with the long-planned NATO nuclear exercise Steadfast Noon. Her NATO exercises this year, hosted by Belgium, will run from October 17 to he October 30 and will involve 14 countries.
Pool via Sputnik/Gavriil Grigorov/REUTER
U.S. B-52 long-range bombers will participate, flying from Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota. The exercise will also include 4th and 5th generation fighters, but will not use live ammunition.
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg told reporters earlier this month that NATO exercises are meant to ensure that NATO’s nuclear deterrent “remains safe, secure and effective”. .
Stoltenberg said NATO would “monitor” Russia’s exercises and “remain vigilant, especially in light of the veiled nuclear threats and dangerous nuclear rhetoric emerging from the Russian side.” rice field.
The last time Russia conducted a nuclear exercise was in February, just before it invaded Ukraine.
