Russia has criticized NATO’s large-scale military exercise “Steadfast Defender,” which is set to commence in early February and continue until late May. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko stated that the scope of NATO’s maneuvers in 2024 represents an “irreversible return” to Cold War-era plans.
According to statements published on Sunday by the official media agency, Grushko considers these maneuvers as a significant step back to the Cold War strategies. The exercise, to begin in early February, will be NATO’s largest military training since the Cold War, involving around 90,000 troops. It simulates how U.S. forces would reinforce European allies in countries bordering Russia and on NATO’s eastern flank in the event of an escalated conflict potentially leading to a confrontation.
The Supreme Allied Commander Europe, U.S. General Christopher Cavoli, said that Steadfast Defender would continue until late May, involving units from all 31 member countries and candidate member Sweden. He emphasized that the exercise would demonstrate their unity, strength, and determination to protect each other.
Grushko also mentioned to the agency that these exercises are an additional element in the hybrid war the West is waging against Russia. He stressed that such large-scale training signifies NATO’s definitive and irreversible return to Cold War plans, preparing for a confrontation with Russia.
While not explicitly named in his announcement, NATO’s primary strategic document identifies Russia as the most significant and direct threat to the security of its member states.
Moscow’s comprehensive invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 was described by Kyiv and the West as an imperialistic attempt to annex territories unjustifiably. Since then, Russia and its Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov have accused the “collective West” of waging a hybrid war against Russia by financially and militarily supporting Ukraine.
The NATO exercises involve about 50 warships, 80 aircraft, and 1,100 combat vehicles of various types. These war exercises are considered the most significant since the “Reforger” maneuver in 1988, amid the Cold War between the Soviet Union and NATO.
