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US accelerates fielding of upgraded B61-12 nuclear bomb in Europe — newspaper

Pentagon spokesman Patrick Ryder told Politico that the United States was not "going to discuss details of our nuclear arsenal"

NEW YORK, October 27. /TASS/. The United States has decided to speed up plans to deploy an upgraded B61-12 air-dropped gravity bomb to Europe that should arrive there this December, Politico reported on Thursday, citing a diplomatic cable and two people familiar with the issue.

According to Politico, US officials said at a closed-door NATO meeting in Brussels that the fielding of an improved bomb, originally scheduled for the spring of 2023, had been moved up to December.

"Given the rising volume and scale of Russia’s nuclear rhetoric, a subset of allies requested continued consultations at NATO to ensure continued readiness and consistent messaging," says the cable, which was written to be distributed throughout Pentagon and State Department officials.

Pentagon spokesman Patrick Ryder told Politico that the United States was not "going to discuss details of our nuclear arsenal" and said that modernization of B61 nuclear weapons had been underway for years. Ryder said the initiative to replace older weapons with upgraded ones was "part of a long-planned and scheduled modernization effort" and was "in no way linked to current events in Ukraine and was not sped up in any way."

However, Politico writes, Washington’s decision to swap out weapons at storage facilities in Europe for potential use comes amid heightened tensions between the West and Russia.

The United States first tested its B61-12 gravity bomb on July 1, 2015, and the upgraded nuclear weapon entered production in December 2021. The US National Nuclear Security Administration said the modernization would help extend the bomb’s service life by at least 20 years.

Russia has repeatedly warned that these US plans were openly provocative and running counter to Washington’s claims that it has been seeking a complete nuclear disarmament.

Iran intends to bolster military cooperation with Russia — envoy to Moscow

Kazem Jalali noted that Iran had demonstrated its ability to ensure security and nudge the region toward a de-escalation

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On Wednesday night, the Israel Defense Forces press office reported that Israeli fighter jets struck "significant Hezbollah terrorist infrastructure used by the terrorist organization’s aerial defense system" in Lebanon

Shoigu tests commando vehicle, calls for additional machineguns

The Russian defense minister "personally tested the special transportation vehicle and its running qualities"

Humanitarian efforts in Gaza doomed without durable ceasefire — Russia’s UN envoy

Vasily Nebenzya is convinced that the work of the UNRWA is indispensable under these circumstances

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US asking UNSC members to reject resolution on Palestine, hoping to avoid veto — media

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FSB declassifies documents revealing Ukrainian infiltration of Red Army units during WWII

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Ukraine convicts 12th world chess champion for recognizing Donetsk, Lugansk republics

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According to the report, the area around the discovered balloon was cordoned off and residents of nearby houses were evacuated

G7 countries to prevent Iran from producing, purchasing weapons

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Agents in Ukrainian, Poland foil attempt to kill Zelensky, security officials in Kiev say

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Alexander Orlov noted that recently French President Emmanuel Macron "has made a number of questionable moves that have increased the divide" between both countries

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Maria Zakharova pointed out that the southern Kuril Islands were an integral part of Russia under international law based on the outcome of World War II

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Kremlin condemns 'illegal' seizure of villa from Russian businessman

Dmitry Peskov underscored that Moscow has already made its position clear on this matter

Iran threatens to attack Israel's "nuclear centers" in case of aggression on its part

Ahmad Haqtalab argued that Israel had been conducting "subversive and terrorist activities" against the Islamic republic's nuclear infrastructure for year

Xi Jinping proposes four principles for resolving Ukrainian crisis

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Brazilian leader Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva welcomed Gustavo Petro’s initiative, "being committed to promotion of Colombia’s candidacy"

Israeli Air Force strikes Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon

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Iran to review nuclear doctrine in case of Israeli aggression — IRGC

Ahmad Haghtalab pointed out that the Iranian Army and other security forces protect Iranian nuclear facilities using the most advanced equipment, so "national nuclear centers are completely safe"

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Kiev continues to openly announce terrorist attacks on Russia — diplomat

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Russian government approves list of unfriendly countries

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Shoigu visits presentation of over 30 promising weapons, including robotic vehicles

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