Recently, NATO has been known for its "firmDefenders2024".Military exercisesThe exercise brought together about 90,000 troops from 31 member countries and partner country Sweden. During the entire exercise, the participants not only included ships, fighters, combat vehicles and other equipment, but also nearly 1,100 combat vehicles, more than 80 fighter jets, and unmanned aerial vehicles. Unlike previous exercises, the exercise extends to NATO's eastern flank, close to Russia's borders. What is even more interesting is the positioning of NATO's military exercises - against an evenly matched adversary, simulating a conflict. It seems that this opponent is mostly Russia.
On the second day of the start of NATO military exercises, Putin made a surprise visit to the Russian "enclave" located under siege by NATO countriesKaliningrad。This was stated by Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. Peskov said Putin's trip was not a hint to NATO countries. But then, he mentioned it againKaliningradThere is a strategic danger that points to the neighboringBalticThe state was publishedMilitarismRemarks. Such a statement is obviously a word. The so-called "enclave".KaliningradWhat is the significance for Russia and European countries?
From the point of view of Russia,KaliningradIt's like a "nail" in NATO's chest. Russia has deployed tactics in this regionNuclear missiles, which has long been prepared for the escalation of the conflict. KaliningradIt is only 400 kilometers away from Warsaw, the capital of Poland, and Berlin, the capital of Germany, and the capital of DenmarkCopenhagen, the capital of SwedenStockholmAll are around 600 km away, and London, Paris and Rome are only about 1,400 km away. Only medium-range missiles will be used to be able to fully cover these main European targets. Even if Putin does not deliberately send a signal, the hearts of European countries will be uneasy.
It is worth mentioningKaliningradLocated inBalticThe export location has a natural strategic advantage. Due to the peculiarities of the geographical location,KaliningradThere is a certain threat to European countries. KaliningradSeen as the front line of European countries, it naturally became one of the most important strategic areas in the event of a conflict. Kaliningradstrategic position, which makes its security situation much concern.
So why would European countries beKaliningradFeeling anxious? On the one hand,The conflict in UkraineIt has already allowed European countries to see that Russia is thereMilitaryIn the face of Russia's strength, they began to fear that they could lose in the face of Russia. On the other hand, countries are already showing signs of fatigue in their efforts to assist Ukraine, and they feel increasingly powerless to support it. In addition, the uncertainty of the United States this yearTrumpPossible withdrawal of parts from EuropeU.S. militaryThe remarks have made European countries even more uneasy.
The anxiety of European countries is also manifested in someMilitarismrhetorically. British ArmyChief of the General StaffSaunderssaid Britain needed to step up conscription and increase the size of its army in response to a potential war with Russia. The commander-in-chief of the Norwegian armed forces also believes that defense spending must be increased to better cope with a potential conflict with Russia. The German defense minister declared that Putin could attack NATO countries in 5-8 years. Even Sweden openly stated that they could become a war zone and have ties with Russia. The Foreign Minister of Lithuania even declared that ifTrumpElected, withdrawnU.S. militaryIt will be a catastrophe for Lithuania, hinting that Lithuania will be at risk of being hit by Russia.
Although, at the moment, the possibility of a conflict between Russia and NATO is not very likely. But that could change if tensions are artificially exacerbated, such as European politicians advocating war preparations for Russia, NATO planes entering the battlefield, and the recent use of NATO-aided missiles by Ukraine to strike Russian transport planes. KaliningradThis deploys tacticsNuclear missilesPutin's appearance on the second day of NATO military exercises is a signal in itself. Palace spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Putin's trip was not a signal to NATO, but he did itKaliningradstrategic danger and European countriesMilitarismrhetoric, which can be seen in the importance and potential threats of the region.
To sum up, the conflict between Russia and Ukraine has continued in the past two years, the fighting situation has been fierce, and there is no sign of a ceasefire between the two sides. NATO's latest largest military exercise, "Firm."Defenders2024 "has already begun, with the participation of a large number of member states, and the scope of the exercises is close to the borders of Russia. Putin's inspection is located in a country surrounded by NATO countriesKaliningrad, "Enclave".KaliningradStrategically important for Russia and European countries, tactics are deployed in the regionNuclear missiles。Anxiety and militaristic rhetoric in European countries have added to concerns about potential conflict. KaliningradThe importance of the place and Putin's visit to the place are a warning to the outside world. Although conflict is unlikely in the short term, the intensification of some contradictions may change the situation.