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Military drills

NATO not commenting on Russia’s alleged simulated nuclear attacks on alliance’s members

NATO's report said "as part of its overall military build-up, the pace of Russia’s military manoeuvres and drills have reached levels unseen since the height of the Cold War"

© AP Photo/Olivier Matthys

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Ten regiments of Russia’s Strategic Missile Force placed on highest alert

BRUSSELS, February 4. /TASS/. NATO has refused to comment on its allegations that Russia’s exercises carried out simulated nuclear attacks on NATO allies and partners, including Sweden.

The allegations were included in NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg’s 2015 annual report, released on January 28.

"We have nothing to add to what is said in the report," the NATO headquarters told TASS on Thursday.

The report said "as part of its overall military build-up, the pace of Russia’s military manoeuvres and drills have reached levels unseen since the height of the Cold War."

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"Over the past three years, Russia has conducted at least 18 large-scale snap exercises, some of which have involved more than 100,000 troops. These exercises include simulated nuclear attacks on NATO Allies (eg, ZAPAD) and on partners (eg, March 2013 simulated attacks on Sweden)," the report reads.

The report has been circulated by mass media in Sweden where a discussion is underway on whether this traditionally neutral European country should join NATO amid the so-called increased Russian threat.

Russia’s Defense Ministry has repeatedly stated that Russia’s exercises are not aimed against any other countries.

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