Against the backdrop of the current international tensions, NATO's latest moves have undoubtedly added more uncertainty to the global security situation.
According to reports, the Nordic Response 2024 military exercise, which took place from March 4 to 15 in Finland, Sweden and Norway, was no small battle: 50 ships, more than 100 aircraft and 20,000 military personnel from 13 countries gathered to participate in the exercise. The exercise is not only part of NATO's "Steadfast Defender" series of large-scale military exercises, but also a strong signal in the current complex international environment.
From NATO's perspective, the exercise demonstrated its unwavering support for its allies and, through a show of military might, sent a clear message to adversaries that NATO has the will and ability to protect the security of its member states. However, Russia did not see this as an ordinary exercise. Russian spokeswoman Zakharova warned that the "Nordic Response" military exercises would lead to an escalation of tensions, suggesting that Russia would not be indifferent.
Against this background, a series of actions by the West is striking. From France's Macron to US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, the successive statements show that NATO's support for Ukraine goes far beyond verbal comfort. Although these statements were subsequently resisted by some NATO allies, they exacerbated international fears of a possible full-scale escalation of the conflict in Ukraine. At this sensitive moment, with nearly 100,000 troops and equipment summoned, NATO's actions have undoubtedly further increased concerns about the situation in the conflict in Ukraine getting out of control.
And on the Russian side, Putin's position is tougher. While his threat of the use of its nuclear arsenal may be seen as a warning of a possible Western attack, there is no doubt that Russia has enough power that no one would dare to provoke a direct conflict. In Putin's view, even if there is no need for the direct use of nuclear **, simply reminding the West of the possibility of escalation of the conflict is enough to make many countries reconsider their decisions.
However, the truth of the conflict in Ukraine makes one have to ask: is the West really ready for a full-scale confrontation with Russia? In fact, from North Korea to Iran to China and Russia, the West always seems to be avoiding direct war with a real military power. This is not only because the military power of the other side is feared, but also because the presence of nuclear ** makes any direct conflict likely to turn into an uncontrollable catastrophe.
At the same time, in the process of supporting Ukraine, NATO countries are actually depleting their own military resources, which to some extent weakens their military capabilities in the face of Russia. And, even without taking into account the risk of nuclear war, with the current military strength of NATO countries, are they really ready?
To sum up, although NATO has demonstrated its military strength and solidarity posture through the Nordic Response 2024 military exercise, the complex international situation and the interests of all parties behind this exercise make this issue full of uncertainty. In a game that could touch the brink of nuclear war, every move should be made with caution. The question now is, are we on a more dangerous path? Time will tell, but until then, the wise choice for all parties will be to avoid escalation and seek a diplomatic solution.