Peskov spreads misinformation about NATO exercises

The Kremlin spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, has disinformed the public that the NATO military exercise “Steadfast Noon” is contributing to the escalation of tensions in Ukraine. Peskov said: “NATO’s nuclear military exercise is exacerbating tensions in Ukraine. Given the phase of “hot war” in the Ukraine conflict, such exercises will certainly only lead to a further escalation of tensions,” he said via Tass.

Analysis: NATO has repeatedly emphasized that exercises such as „Steadfast Noon“ are part of regular, planned activities conducted each year and have nothing to do with the current Russian aggression in Ukraine. The exercise involves the simulation of a nuclear response, but no real nuclear weapons are involved in the exercise, NATO officials have clarified. On the other hand, Peskov is known for using nuclear rhetoric to manipulate fear. The true nature of the exercises is defensive, that is, they serve to maintain peace and stability among NATO members.

Furthermore, this exercise takes place annually as part of NATO’s deterrence policy and is not a reaction to current events. NATO has explicitly emphasized that these exercises have nothing to do with the conflict in Ukraine./G. Venhari – The Geopost/