The Russian Embassy commented on NATO exercises in Europe

The Russian Embassy in Belgium said that the upcoming NATO nuclear exercises do not help reduce tensions in Europe.

Starting October 13, NATO will hold its annual Steadfast Noon nuclear deterrence exercise in Italy with the participation of 17 alliance states.

BRUSSELS, Oct 9 - RIA Novosti. Upcoming NATO nuclear exercises are not helping to reduce tensions in Europe, despite NATO officials saying there is no threat to Moscow, the Russian Embassy in Belgium said on Friday.

“These exercises, in conditions where NATO is positioning our country as the main security threat, do not help reduce tension on the continent and are part of the alliance’s nuclear policy, Moscow’s negative attitude towards which is well known,” says a commentary published on the diplomatic mission’s Telegram channel.

The embassy added that Russia takes note of statements by NATO officials that the exercises are regular and do not pose a threat to Russia.

Starting October 13, NATO will hold its annual Steadfast Noon nuclear deterrence exercise in Italy with the participation of 17 alliance states.

In recent years, Russia has noted unprecedented NATO activity along its western borders. The alliance is expanding initiatives and calling it "containment of Russian aggression." Russian authorities have repeatedly expressed concern about the bloc's build-up in Europe.