NATO and Russia to hold planned nuclear exercises.

NATO and Russia are set to separately have long-planned exercises of their nuclear forces at a time of enormous tension over Russia’s war on Ukraine. The Pentagon and the US intelligence community are watching for any unexpected or unusual movements of Moscow’s nuclear weapons during Russia’s exercise, which is expected to occur before the month’s end. “We believe that Russian nuclear rhetoric and its decision to proceed with this exercise while at war with Ukraine is irresponsible,” a senior defense official told CNN. The Russian nuclear exercise, referred to as Grom, conducted every year will include live missile launches and the deployment of strategic assets. At the same time, on Monday, NATO will begin its annual nuclear exercise known as Steadfast Noon, with the US among the 14 nations participating.