The article, titled "Why NATO members are sounding the alarm about Russia's aggressive posture," quoted Bauer as saying the exercise was about "preparing for conflict with Russia."
According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, exercises on the scale of NATO Steadfast Defender 2024 increase the risk of military incidents.
Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council Dmitry Medvedev also called the exercises “a very dangerous game with fire.” He warned that the military potentials of Russia and NATO countries are not comparable, therefore, in the event of a conflict with the alliance, the Russian side, having no choice, will be forced to respond to aggression asymmetrically, using ballistic and cruise missiles with special warheads.