BERLIN (AFP) -- NATO on Monday launched its regular nuclear deterrence drills in western Europe, after tensions soared with Russia over President Vladimir Putin’s veiled threats in the face of setbacks in Ukraine.
It will involve U.S. B-52 long-range bombers, and up to 60 aircraft in total will take part in training flights over Belgium, the United Kingdom and the North Sea. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has rejected any calls to scrap the drill after Russian President Vladimir Putin ratcheted up his nuclear rhetoric as his troops lose ground in Ukraine.