NATO will begin its annual nuclear exercise on Monday, alliance Secretary General Mark Rutte said on Thursday, against a backdrop of heightened nuclear rhetoric from Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Former Dutch prime minister Mark Rutte assumed leadership of NATO on Tuesday, becoming secretary general of the world’s most powerful military alliance. By opting for the veteran Dutch statesman - a staunch ally of the United States and stalwart supporter of Ukraine - NATO’s 32 nations picked a leader who is expected to keep pushing for support for Kiev,

The drills, named Steadfast Noon, will involve over 50 aircraft and 2,000 military personnel. Rutte emphasized the importance of strengthening defense in an "uncertain world." Read also: NATO returns to core mission of deterring Eastern threats,

The Alliance's Secretary General, Mark Rutte, announced that NATO's nuclear maneuvers will begin on October 14. Alliance representatives assure that this is not a response to the Kremlin's threats. Such exercises have been taking place annually for over a decade.

NATO launches large-scale nuclear drills, Steadfast Noon, on Monday 14 October, involving dozens of aircraft and 2,000 personnel. Source: NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte after a meeting with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and UK PM Starmer,

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte announced on Thursday that the defence alliance's annual military drills involving nuclear weapons will be held on Monday. "It is vital that we test our defence," he said,

The exercise does not use any live weapons but some 2,000 military personnel taking part will simulate missions.