The Cold Answer, NATO Sends 30,000 Troops, 50 Ships to Norway

The maneuver, called the Cold Answer, has begun today in Norway at the time of mounting tensions between Russia and the West over the invasion of Ukraine.

Exercise includes 30,000 troops from more than 25 countries in Europe and North America, 200 planes and 50 ships.

The largest NATO maneuver, which is held only a few kilometers from the Russian border, is planned long before the invasion of Ukraine from Moscow, but its importance has now been raised.

This exercise is extremely important for the security of Norway and its allies. We will practice a reinforcement of Norwegian allies”, said Norwegian Defence Minister Odd Roger Enoksen.

The purpose of this maneuver is to test how Norway and Alliance members would jointly react to land, air and sea in line with NATO Article 5, which requires member states to stand up for another country in the event of the attack.

“E account entirely normal, perhaps more than ever, the joint training to demonstrate our capacities and willingness to protect our values and way of life”, said General Yangve Oddlo, responsible for maneuvering

Norway's Armed Forces said they have provided subtle information to Russia, including the Russian Defence Ministry, saying it is vital to avoid any misunderstandings and unnecessary conflicts.

Russia has refused to observe the exercise, which is held every two years and ends on April 11th.