UPDATE - NATO to begin annual nuclear exercise, says alliance chief

​​​​​​​ADDS REMARKS FROM NATO CHIEF

By Aysu Bicer

LONDON (AA) - NATO will kick off its annual nuclear preparedness exercise, Steadfast Noon, next week, the alliance announced Thursday.

Secretary-General Mark Rutte emphasized the importance of readiness in an increasingly volatile global landscape.

"In an uncertain world, it is vital that we test our defense and strengthen our capabilities so that our adversaries know NATO is ready and able to respond to any threat," Rutte told reporters in London after meetings with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Zelenskyy arrived in London as part of ongoing efforts to secure increased military support from Western allies.

The exercise will be held against a backdrop of heightened nuclear rhetoric from Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has issued multiple warnings since his country launched a war against Ukraine in 2022.

Scheduled to begin Monday, the exercise will include approximately 60 aircraft, including F-35A fighter jets and B-52 bombers, from 13 NATO nations.

Around 2,000 military personnel will participate in simulated missions involving US nuclear warheads, though no live weapons will be used, NATO officials have confirmed.

The two weeks of drills will take place over the "North Sea area" and will be hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands.

Turning to the American elections in November, Rutte said he does not have a message for former US President Donald Trump.

"Because I know him well. I worked in my previous role as prime minister for four years with him. I know that he understands completely and agrees with me that this fight to Ukraine is not only about Ukraine, it's also about the safety and the future security of the US," he said.

"So really stop worrying about a Trump presidency. We do not know who will win. I will work with Kamala Harris if she is chosen. I will work with Donald Trump when he will be chosen, and President Trump, we do support Ukraine. I'm not worried about that, because I'm absolutely convinced that the US is in this, because the understanding is not only for Ukraine, but also for them, and that from Washington to San Francisco, the whole of the US would be less secure If Putin would be successful," he said.