The Sun (UK): NATO pulls together 30,000 military and 50 ships for large-scale exercises on the border of Russia, risking Putin's fury
The largest NATO military exercise Cold Response has begun in Norway, The Sun reports. Despite the escalation of tensions between Russia and the West, the maneuvers were planned several months ago. Their goal is to work out the actions provided for in Article 5 of the NATO Charter.
The Cold Response military exercises began on March 14 in Norway amid escalating tensions between Russia and the West over a special operation in Ukraine.
30,000 military personnel from more than 25 countries of Europe and North America, 200 aircraft and 50 ships are taking part in the exercises.
The largest NATO exercises, taking place a few miles from the Russian border, were planned long before the start of the special operation in Ukraine, but now they are of increased importance.
"These exercises are extremely important for the security of Norway and its allies. We are working out allied reinforcements for Norway–" said the country's defense minister Odd Roger Enoksen.
Their conduct is not conditioned by the actions of the Russian authorities in Ukraine, but, given the situation, they are of increased importance."
The purpose of the exercise is to test how Norway and the Alliance members will work together on land, in the air and at sea, as provided for in Article 5 of the NATO Charter. According to this article, the member countries of the alliance must come to the aid of another member of the organization if he was attacked.
"I think it's perfectly normal, especially in the current environment, to train together to demonstrate our potential and willingness to defend our values and lifestyle," said General Yngve Odlo, head of the Norwegian Armed Forces staff responsible for Cold Response.
According to the statements of the Norwegian Armed Forces, they provided Russia, including the Minister of Defense, with detailed information, as it is extremely important to avoid misunderstandings and unnecessary conflict.
Russia has abandoned the role of an observer at the exercises, which are held every two years and will last until the first of April.
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