NATO will carry out its annual nuclear exercise in Italy between 13 and 23 October, which will involve around 17 allied countries and will take place in a context of growing tensions with Russia.
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08/10/2026
by
Lusa
A NATO will carry out its annual nuclear exercise in Italy between 13 and 23 October, which will involve about 17 Allied countries and will take place in a context of growing tensions with Russia.
“ This exercise is a routine training activity, planned long ago, which is part of NATO’s efforts to maintain its level of preparation,” the Atlantic Alliance announced in a statement.
NATO stressed that nuclear weapons will not be used during maneuvers and ensured that the exercise is not directed against any country.
About 17 Member States will participate in the maneuvers, which, according to the organisation, will be little different from the exercises carried out in previous years.
The announcement takes place in a period of tension between Moscow and the Atlantic Alliance, after Russia recently accused NATO of developing “provocative actions” against the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad.
Moscow then stated that it was prepared to resort to “all its arsenal”, declarations that led NATO to denounce Russia’s “irresponsible nuclear rhetoric”.
The Atlantic Alliance, however, has not detected significant changes in Russian nuclear posture.
“ Obviously, we are following Russia very closely. We have not seen any major changes in her attitude that concern us,” Nassima Barrows said today.