NATO to start nuke exercise next wk after Russian threat

NATO will hold a long-planned major nuclear exercise next week, the alliance's chief said on Thursday, a few weeks after President Vladimir Putin announced changes to Russia's nuclear doctrine to discourage Ukraine's Western allies from supporting attacks on his country The 'Steadfast Noon' exercise starts on Monday and will run for about two weeks. It will be led by Belgium and the Netherlands, use eight military bas es and involve 2,000 personnel and 60 aircraft from 13 nations.

The exercise has been held at roughly the same time each year for over a decade.

Bomber aircraft and fighter jets that can carry nuclear warheads are taking part. No live munitions are used. The bulk of the exMark Rutte ercise is being held around 900 kms from Russia in the North Sea.