NATO is preparing to hold major nuclear exercises in Italy amid worsening tensions with Moscow. At the same time, the alliance is trying to convince Russia that the upcoming drills pose no danger to the country. According to Politico, NATO officials are seeking to ease Russian concerns over the military activities despite the increasingly strained relationship between the two sides.

The exercises, known as Steadfast Noon, are scheduled for October 13-23. NATO maintains that the drills are part of its annual training program, designed to keep its nuclear forces ready for action. Participating military units will practice procedures essential to the alliance’s deterrence and defense operations.

Nassima Barrows, NATO’s director of nuclear policy, insisted that neither Russia nor any other country has reason to be alarmed. She argued that the routine nature of the exercises should make clear that the alliance is not seeking to create additional threats. NATO hopes this message will reassure Moscow ahead of the drills.

The preparations have also sparked political controversy in Italy. On Wednesday, October 7, opposition lawmaker Angelo Bonelli, a member of the Greens and Left Alliance, demanded an explanation from Defense Minister Guido Crosetto. Bonelli challenged the government’s failure to inform parliament in advance that multinational NATO military exercises would take place on Italian territory.

His objections also focused on what the military training will involve. According to Bonelli, the Steadfast Noon program includes simulations of the use of American nuclear weapons stationed in Europe. This element of the exercises became a central issue in his demand for answers from Italy’s Defense Ministry.

Meanwhile, Russia has issued sharp warnings over NATO’s expanding military activity. The previous day, Russian Permanent Representative to the OSCE Dmitry Polyansky commented on the alliance’s largest command-and-staff exercises of 2026, accusing NATO of taking provocative steps that are pushing Europe toward a direct military confrontation.