US pledge at NATO meeting: Defend "every inch"

Russia's invasion of Ukraine US pledge at NATO meeting: Defend "every inch" 

 

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Ebba Thornéus 

 

Published: Less than 1 hour ago 

 

Updated: Less than 30 min ago 

 

NEWS 

 

NATO's planned nuclear weapons exercise will be carried out next week - despite the tense situation around the world. 

 

At the same time, the United States maintains that it will assist with help in the event of an attack. 

 

- We are determined to defend every inch of NATO territory, says Defense Minister Lloyd Austin. 

 

Russia's war in Ukraine is the main focus when NATO defense ministers meet in Brussels. 

 

For the first time, both Sweden and Finland are allowed to participate - this as the countries participate with so-called invitee status, as prospective members. 

 

However, neither Sweden's Defense Minister Peter Hultqvist (S) nor his Finnish colleague Antti Kaikkonen were allowed to participate in Thursday's first meeting with NATO's planning group for nuclear weapons, NPG, as this group remains closed to anyone who is not yet a full member of the military alliance. 

 

 

Defense Minister Peter Hultqvist (S) during the NATO meeting. Photo: Olivier Matthys / AP 

 

The Nuclear Planning Group was established in 1966 to enable better communication, nuclear consultation and engagement among NATO Allies to deal with matters relating to nuclear policy. 

 

Sticks to nuclear drills 

 

During today's NPG meeting, the defense ministers will discuss the current situation where Russian President Vladimir Putin, among other things, has insisted that he will use all necessary means to defend Russian territory. Something that caused world leaders to react. 

 

NATO's Secretary General in conversation with US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin Photo: Olivier Matthys / AP 

 

Including NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. 

 

- Russia knows that a nuclear war cannot be won - and should never be waged. We have also clearly explained to Russia that there will be serious consequences if they use nuclear weapons in any way, he says during a press conference before the NATO meeting. 

 

He also maintained that the plan to carry out the long-planned nuclear weapons exercise next week is firm - despite the tense situation around the world. 

 

- This is a routine exercise that takes place every year. Now is the right time to stand firm and say that NATO is there to defend all its members. 

 

The so-called "Steadfast Noon" exercise is held every year and lasts for about a week. The exercise involves warplanes capable of carrying nuclear warheads. However, no real ones are used during the exercise. 

 

Will defend every inch 

 

A total of 14 NATO countries will participate in the exercise. 

 

The USA, France and Great Britain are among the NATO countries that currently have their own nuclear weapons. However, France does not participate in the joint nuclear weapons planning as it maintains its nuclear independence. 

 

Russia also plans to hold a nuclear drill soon, which was raised during the NATO summit. Photo: Vyacheslav Prokofyev / AP 

 

The already uncertain situation is further strengthened by the fact that Russia itself is planning to hold its own nuclear weapons exercise shortly. If possible at the same time as NATO. Something that risks complicating the security situation further. 

 

Before Thursday's meeting, however, the US again promised to assist with aid. 

 

- We are determined to defend every inch of NATO territory, if and when it comes to that, Defense Minister Lloyd Austin said before the meeting. 

 

During Thursday, it was also announced that a total of 14 NATO countries and Finland will develop a joint air defense. The initiative is led by Germany and the aim is for the countries to jointly develop an air defense system with, among other things, missiles – something that will strengthen NATO's integrated air and missile defense.

 

Sweden does not participate in the initiative.

 

 

"We will defend every inch," said US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. Photo: Olivier Matthys / AP