Swedish military aircraft participating in a NATO exercise in Norway (Reuters)

About 20,000 soldiers from 13 member states of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) began major maneuvers on Thursday in the far north of Norway to defend against a hypothetical attack on NATO territory, and Russia described them as “provocative.”

The maneuvers include Finland and Sweden, which joined the alliance following the Russian attack on Ukraine, according to the Norwegian military.

About 1,500 men and women from the German Armed Forces are also participating in the maneuvers, with combat training called “Nordic Response 2024” in the town of Alta, northern Norway.

In this scenario, soldiers prepare to launch a counterattack from the Alta region to seize areas to the south already occupied by Russia.

NATO countries deploy a wide range of weapons systems for training, including 100 aircraft and a naval force equipped with frigates and submarines.

Yesterday, Wednesday, NATO conducted an exercise called “Dragon 24” in the Polish city of Korzenio, within the framework of the “Standing Defender” maneuvers.

NATO explained that the allied countries have strengthened their deterrent and defensive capabilities within the scope of the "Dragon 24" maneuver.

He added that forces from France, Germany, Lithuania, Poland, Slovenia, Spain, Turkey, Britain and the United States participated in the exercise.

"Dragon 24" maneuver in Poland (Getty)

Confrontation with Russia

In Moscow, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko - speaking to the Russian News Agency - considered that the scope of NATO maneuvers in 2024 constitutes a “final and irreversible return” by the alliance to its Cold War plans, as the war planning process, resources and infrastructure are prepared for a confrontation with his country. .

He described NATO's maneuvers near the Russian border as "provocative," stressing that Russia is monitoring the maneuvers in the event of any type of "military incident."

These maneuvers come on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the founding of NATO, and are considered the most important and largest since the “Reforger” maneuver in 1988, which took place during the Cold War.

It is noteworthy that Sweden is preparing to officially join NATO as of March 11, thus becoming the 32nd member.

Source: Agencies