NATO’s Patrick Turner stresses the Alliance‘s measured response to Moscow‘s nuclear rhetoric.
Patrick Turner, NATO’s senior representative in Ukraine who spoke to Ukrinform 15 October, stated that the Alliance does not see any serious risk of nuclear escalation from Russia, despite Moscow continuing its nuclear threats.
The interview follows recent statements made by Putin about changes to Russia’s nuclear doctrine, including the expansion of categories of states and alliances that are subject to Russian deterrence. The European Union, however, has stated that Putin’s new nuclear threats will not change the EU‘s position on its continued support for Ukraine.
Turner said:
Turner said that NATO does not see any signs that Russia is preparing for a new, more aggressive nuclear posture. They continue to monitor Russia’s nuclear doctrine.
The NATO official emphasized the Alliance’s role as a deterrent and in defense.
“We have all the necessary capabilities to defend our Allies from any threat.”
Turner stressed NATO’s commitment towards a measured approach.
“This is a place where the rhetoric is extremely unhelpful, so we won’t engage in it. We will continue to be calm and measured and make the decisions we need to continue to support Ukraine.”
Turner also spoke about NATO’s ongoing nuclear-deterrence exercises including the recently launched Steadfast Noon Exercise. The two-week training exercise, which began 14 October, involves over 60 aircraft performing training flights across Western Europe. Turner clarified that this exercise does not include live weapons.
Turner cited NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in his statement.
“Steadfast noon is an important test for the Alliance’s deterrent nuclear capability and sends a message to any adversary, that NATO will protect all Allies.”
The NATO representative emphasized the Alliance’s constant message to Moscow, that “a nuclear conflict cannot be won and should never be fought.”
Mark Rutte, the new NATO Secretary General, had previously urged allies to not be afraid of Vladimir Putin’s nuclear threats. He said that NATO is strong and able to respond to any threat.
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