BRUSSELS: NATO on Monday resumed its regular nuclear deterrence exercises in Western Europe, after rising tensions with Russia over President Vladimir Putin's veiled threats in response to setbacks in Ukraine.

According to the 30-nation coalition, the "regular, recurring training activity", lasting until October 30, was planned before Moscow invaded Ukraine and is unrelated to the current situation.

Up to 60 aircraft will participate in training flights in Belgium, the United Kingdom and the North Sea, using US B-52 long-range bombers.

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In response to Putin's call to cancel the exercise after intensifying his nuclear rhetoric because his troops lost ground in Ukraine, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg dismissed all such suggestions.

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According to Stoltenberg last week, "if we abruptly cancel a routine, long-planned exercise because of the war in Ukraine, it will send a very false signal."

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We must recognize that the best way to stop escalation is through firm, predictable behavior by NATO and our military might.
Despite the Kremlin's tough rhetoric, NATO claims it has not seen any change in Russia's nuclear posture.

But we continue to be cautious, Stoltenberg said.