NATO is seeking to ease tensions with Russia ahead of the annual "Stadfast Noon" nuclear exercise scheduled for October 13-23 in Italy, with the participation of 17 allied nations.

NATO is seeking to ease tensions with Russia ahead of the annual "Stadfast Noon" nuclear exercise scheduled for October 13-23 in Italy, with the participation of 17 allied nations.

The exercise follows Russian threats to strike NATO territory, including the possible use of nuclear weapons, after allied exercises near Kaliningrad in August.

NATO officials emphasized that the exercise is routine, predictable and does not involve live nuclear weapons, stressing that the alliance wants to prevent a miscalculation and further escalation.

Source: POLITICO