Photo: Xinhua/Bai Xueqi
MOSCOW, Jan. 26 (Xinhua) -- The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Steadfast Defender exercises are provocative and could potentially lead to tragic consequences for Europe, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Friday.
"For several months, 90,000 troops from 31 NATO member countries, as well as Sweden, will be active near the Russian border in the territory from Norway to Romania," Zakharova said.
Such a move is "provocative" and "deliberately aimed at escalating the situation", she said, warning that it could increase the risk of military incidents and "ultimately lead to tragic consequences for Europe".
On Wednesday, NATO launched the "Steadfast Defender 2024" exercise, the largest military exercise in decades. The exercises will take place in several locations and will last until 31 May.
Xinhua/gnews.cz-JaV_07
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