(VOVWORLD)-NATO announced on Monday the commencement of a large-scale military exercise on the alliance's Northern European territory in response to escalating tensions as the conflict in Ukraine enters its third year.
 Finnish soldiers train in winter weather in March 2022. (Photo: saudigazette.com.sa) |
The exercise will involve 20,000 troops from 13 countries, with the Norwegian-led "Nordic Response 2024" marking Finland's largest-ever participation in a military exercise abroad – 4,000 Finnish soldiers. Finland joined NATO last April.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko said Moscow is monitoring the exercise and considers it a provocation. He said that any exercises, especially those in close proximity to communication lines, increase the risk of a military incident, adding that Moscow has taken all necessary measures to safeguard Russia's defense capabilities in the current context.
This NATO exercise, conducted in the air, on land, and at sea, will continue until March 14.