Russian embassy says it will monitor Steadfast Noon exercise

Russia's embassy in Belgium said on October 9 that it would closely monitor NATO's Steadfast Noon exercise, which is scheduled to begin in Italy on October 13.

RIA Novosti reported the embassy's comment, published on its social media accounts. The mission did not describe specific monitoring measures.

NATO's official announcement confirms the date and location and says 17 countries will participate. The alliance describes the annual nuclear deterrence exercise as routine and planned well in advance, with a scale comparable to previous years.

NATO says no live weapons will be used. It also says the exercise is unrelated to current events and is not directed against any country.