The Largest NATO Exercise Since the Cold War Begins

The largest NATO military exercise since the collapse of the Soviet Union has begun with the participation of tens of thousands of troops, which officials have described as a "powerful demonstration" of the capabilities and unity of member countries amid rising threats in Europe. The main part of this exercise, named "Spearhead Link," involves armed forces from 29 NATO member countries along with Finland and Sweden, covering operational areas from the North Atlantic to the Baltic Sea. This exercise started on Thursday, October 25, in Norway and will continue for a week. Jens Stoltenberg, NATO's Secretary-General, stated a day before the exercise began, "This is an important day as it marks the largest NATO exercise since the end of the Cold War." The Russian government has criticized the holding of this exercise. In recent years, relations between NATO and Russia have been tense due to Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014 and its support for separatists in eastern Ukraine. Another factor contributing to tensions between Moscow and NATO is the deployment of Russian missile systems near the borders of European countries, which NATO claims violates one of the nuclear disarmament treaties between Russia and the United States, allowing Russia to target NATO member countries. Jens Stoltenberg said at a press conference on Wednesday, "This exercise sends a clear message to alliance members and potential adversaries. NATO is not seeking confrontation, but we are prepared to defend all member countries against any threat." He added, without naming Russia, that "the security situation in Europe has worsened in recent years, and NATO is demonstrating its adaptation to new conditions by holding this exercise, which is the largest since the end of the Cold War." This exercise will take place from October 25 to November 7, with another command-related exercise scheduled for November 14 to 23. Russia considers NATO's eastward expansion a provocative act. In recent years, both Moscow and NATO have accused each other of aggressive actions. In September 2017, Russia, along with Belarus, conducted a large military exercise in western regions of the country that share borders with several NATO members, and last month, it held another major exercise in central and eastern regions. Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu stated on Thursday, "The scale of NATO's operational and combat exercises near our borders is expanding and intensifying. NATO member countries are practicing offensive operations in these exercises." Despite criticizing NATO's exercise, Russia has accepted the organization's invitation to send observers to Norway. Jens Stoltenberg welcomed Russia's decision to enhance transparency, stating, "If they behave professionally and avoid dangerous situations and behaviors, I see no problem with their observation of the exercise."