DISINFO: NATO's Spring Storm exercise in Estonia poses threat to Russia
SUMMARY
Military maneuvers in Estonia are held as part of the Spring Storm exercise. The members of the NATO bloc are working out the scenario of an attack on Russia. Great Britain and France have transferred helicopters and armored vehicles to the Baltic country, which are used usually in offensive operations.
RESPONSE
Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative about NATO and the military exercises it conducts, claiming that the latter is directed against Russia.
NATO is a defensive alliance, whose purpose is to protect its member states. During the Warsaw summit in July 2016, NATO has made it clear that:
"The Alliance does not seek confrontation and poses no threat to Russia".
The annual exercise Spring Storm tests the integration between NATO troops and the Estonian Defence Forces (EDF), strengthening their ability in times of crisis. Spring Storm aims to test the readiness of NATO forces in responding to a fictional crisis. “Spring Storm shows how NATO forces can continue to test their readiness while taking necessary measures to protect their health and those of others. Our forces remain ready, vigilant, and prepared to respond to any threat,” said NATO Spokesperson Oana Lungescu.
Overall, 3,200 troops participate in this year's exercise.
See similar recent disinformation cases alleging NATO in anti-Russian policy: NATO breaks promises that Estonia will be a passive member of the alliance; NATO's actions are openly anti-Russian; Defender Europe 2021 is anti-Russian exercise; NATO exercises have a clear anti-Russian focus.