NATO begins large-scale military drills in Poland

(Vatican Radio)  Member states of the NATO military alliance and their partners have begun their biggest-ever joint military exercises in Poland.  The drills come amid concerns in some Eastern European countries about what they see as an increasingly aggressive Russia. The exercises begin just weeks ahead of a key NATO summit in Warsaw.

Listen to the report by Stefan Bos:

At the opening ceremony, many Polish and other troops marched in front of an assembled army of reporters. Organizers want to send a message to Moscow that the NATO military alliance remains concerned over Russia's actions in Ukraine, where it annexed the Crimean Peninsula and allegedly supports Russian backed separatists with weapons and troops.

The largest war game in eastern Europe since the end of the Cold War is being held in Poland as former Soviet-occupied NATO member states and partners want to mount a counter display of strength amid worries over Russia’s assertiveness and actions.

The 10-day military exercise, involves 31,000 troops participating in land, sea and air exercises and is called Anaconda-16.  Thousands of vehicles from 24 participating countries are also being used in the operation.

Though the war games have been welcomed by NATO’s eastern allies, defense experts have warned that any mishap could prompt an offensive reaction from Moscow.

RUSSIA ANGRY

Russia has already warned that NATO troops close to its borders are a threat to its security and that it will take counter measures. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said NATO actions would, in his words, activate Russia's "right to provide its own safety with methods that are adequate for today's risks."

NATO leaders, Poland and other countries in the region have stressed that any military presence or exercises are purely defensive and deterrent measures focused on threats from the Middle East. 

The Anaconda exercises began in 2006 and take place every two years.

About 12,000 Polish and 14,000 American troops are taking part along with 1,000 soldiers from Britain and others from NATO states and five partner nations.