DISINFO: Steadfast Noon exercise is a general rehearsal for WWIII
SUMMARY
The maneuvers are not taking place at a declared safe distance from Russia (1,000 km), but within the range of strategic nuclear weapons that can reach Moscow and other major cities in the western part of Russia.
The events in Ukraine (as well as in Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, Libya, and Yugoslavia) show that NATO is an instrument of escalation and is not geared for anything else. Steadfast Noon maneuvers are an absolute threat to Russia, Europe and the world.
Besides, during the Steadfast Noon maneuvers, man-made disasters, lightning strikes, fires, and even terrorist attacks by Ukrainian special services are not ruled out in order to involve NATO in a direct military conflict with Russia.
The bloc's internal divisions heighten doubts about the technological safety of the Steadfast Noon war games. There is wide scope for a possible escalation here, and not a single argument in favour of strengthening peace and security.
Steadfast Noon is a dress rehearsal for World War III, in which the US and NATO are doomed.
RESPONSE
Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative about NATO and its military exercises.
The Steadfast Noon is a routine training activity, not linked to any current world events. The exercise involves training flights of fighter jets, as well as surveillance and refuelling aircraft. No live weapons are used.
NATO is a defensive political and military alliance. The primary aim of the alliance is to maintain peace and safeguard the independence, security and territorial integrity of its members. NATO’s official policy is that "the Alliance does not seek confrontation and poses no threat to Russia." The Alliance also follows strict procedures and emphasises transparency during military training exercises, which are announced months in advance and are subject to international scrutiny. NATO's exercises and military deployments are not directed against Russia – or any other country. Exercises are designed to ensure that NATO forces are trained, able to operate together and ready to respond to any threat from any direction.
NATO as an organisation is not involved in fighting in Ukraine. NATO member states provide Ukraine with military assistance to repel the unprovoked Russian aggression and not because of their alleged animosity towards Russia.
At the Madrid Summit, NATO Leaders stated that the Alliance will continue political and practical support to Ukraine "as it continues to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity against Russian aggression. In the longer term, we will assist Ukraine, and support efforts on its path of post-war reconstruction and reforms."
Since Russia began its aggressive and unprovoked actions against Ukraine, Russian officials have accused NATO of a series of threats and hostile actions. Read here about Russian Myths on NATO.
See similar disinformation case alleging that secret NATO exercise Steadfast Noon 2021 aims to turn Europe into Hiroshima. Further disinformation claims about military exercises here.