BRUSSELS, Oct 13 (Reuters) – The United States has reaffirmed its commitment to defend “every inch” of NATO territory ahead of talks between defense ministers from the alliance on Thursday. including closed discussions by its Nuclear Planning Group.
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin made the speech to reaffirm America’s commitment to NATO’s collective defense after Russian President Vladimir Putin’s nuclear threats amid tensions on the ground over his near-missile attack. a total of eight months in Ukraine.
“We are committed to protecting every inch of NATO territory – when it comes to that,” Austin said.
NATO NUCLEAR EXERCISES
Meanwhile, NATO said it will go ahead with its annual nuclear exercise called “Steadfast Noon” next week, where NATO forces will practice using nuclear bombs. Read also : Nuechterlein: As the world changes, so does the United States. America is based in Europe with training planes, without live weapons.
Canceling the drills because of the war in Ukraine would send a “very wrong signal,” NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg said Tuesday.
Germany says that more than two dozen NATO partners are expected to deploy air defenses to protect European Union territories from attacks, monitoring Israel’s Arrow 3 system, US Patriot and German IRIS-T units in the choice. read more
Nearly 50 nations gathered at NATO headquarters on Wednesday and pledged to arm Ukraine this winter and beyond, including new air defenses, that could prevent Russia from using a slow winter to restore his powers. read more
Austin said Thursday that support was released.
“We will continue our efforts to support Ukraine for as long as necessary,” Austin said alongside NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.
Stoltenberg hailed the UN General Assembly‘s condemnation on Wednesday of Russia’s “legal attempt” against the four groups occupying Ukraine.
“This shows that we have to stand up for international law, for our basic values,” said Stoltenberg.
Thursday’s agenda at NATO headquarters in Brussels includes discussions on how to give a clear signal to businesses to increase the production of weapons for internal needs, as well as to support the defense of Ukraine.
The participants will also discuss ways to improve the protection of their critical infrastructure, after attacks on the North Stream pipelines contributed to the escalation of the conflict. It remains unclear who was behind the incidents under the Baltic Sea.
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Reporting by Phil Stewart, Sabine Siebold and Philip Blenkinsop; directed by John Stonestreet and Frank Jack Daniel
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