Some Russian media outlets are portraying NATO’s “Steadfast Noon” exercises as an alleged violation of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). Others go even further, claiming they are preparations “for a major war.”
“Steadfast Noon” is an annual NATO exercise designed to test the readiness of the Alliance’s nuclear deterrence capabilities.
It involves simulated operations with aircraft capable of carrying nuclear weapons — though no live warheads are ever used. The drills include in-flight refuelling, reconnaissance missions, and escort operations for bombers and dual-capable aircraft.
This year’s exercises involve 14 NATO member states and around 70 aircraft, including those capable of carrying nuclear payloads, as well as conventional fighters such as Poland’s F-16s. For the first time, Sweden is participating in the manoeuvres, contributing its Gripen jets.
The manoeuvres are being conducted over Belgium, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Denmark, and the North Sea.
NATO stresses that these are routine training activities, intended to ensure that its nuclear deterrent remains credible, safe, and effective.
However, Russian disinformation channels have been presenting a very different picture — one intended to frighten both domestic audiences and citizens of NATO and EU countries with the spectre of impending war.
“Preparing for a Major War: Europe Launches Large-Scale Nuclear Exercises,” says a headline on the website of the popular Russian TV channel 5 Kanał. The subtitle reinforces the message: “NATO is desperately seeking a pretext for conflict.”
According to Russians, exercises like Steadfast Noon could be viewed by Moscow as part of a nuclear escalation strategy, which Russia will factor into its security policy.
Russian media accuse NATO of hypocrisy — claiming that despite its assurances that the drills are “routine,” their timing, scale, and location (particularly over the North Sea, near Russian spheres of influence) make them an act of strategic provocation. They further allege that these exercises
threaten Russia’s security and are part of a broader NATO effort to expand military infrastructure near Russian borders.
For example, an analysis published by the Wojennoje Dieło portal argued that the exercises “may lead to a violation of the nuclear balance” and therefore “pose a risk to Russia.”
Konstantin Kosachev, Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council (Russia’s upper house of parliament), went so far as to call the „Steadfast Noon” drills a provocative move:
“This is an extremely risky development which, of course, cannot go unanswered. Countermeasures are inevitable — and not only from Russia. This concerns global security and, in particular, nuclear weapons,” Kosachev told Izvestia.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov echoed this line, telling reporters that “in the context of the hot phase of the Ukrainian conflict, such exercises only lead to further escalation.”
Alexander Mikhailov, Director of the Bureau of Military-Political Analysis and a former FSB official, went even further:
“Russia has repeatedly stated that the Steadfast Noon exercises violate the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. It’s not just that they involve countries hosting U.S. nuclear weapons on their territory. Non nuclear states — where American warheads have never been stationed — are also participating. Yet these countries, too, are signatories to the Non Proliferation Treaty! Participation in exercises involving tactical nuclear weapons constitutes a violation of the treaty. This is a direct challenge to Russia.” (Запад бросает вызов России учениями НАТО с имитацией использования ядерного оружия: чем ответит Москва)
This is an obvious lie, if only because U.S. nuclear weapons deployed in Europe remain under exclusive American control, and no other nation — NATO member or otherwise — has the authority to use them.
The same applies to the statement made by Dmitry Peskov: .
“The claim that Russian armed forces pose a threat to anyone is completely wrong, illogical, and, most importantly, contrary to the entire course of history that led to the confrontation we are all currently witnessing.”
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