US deploys B-52 nuclear bombers to Baltic Sea exercises
The United States has deployed three B-52 nuclear bombers to take part in military exercises with NATO partners in the Baltic region amid heightened tensions with Russia.
“The deployment demonstrates the United States’ ability to project its flexible, long-range global strike capability,” the US Strategic Command said in a statement on Friday.
Scores of ships and aircraft from 17 countries are participating in Baltic Sea naval drills as part of exercise BALTOPS, which began on Friday and will run through June 20.
Overall, 5,600 troops, 49 ships, 61 aircraft and a submarine will be involved in the US-led military exercises.
The war game comes as Washington seeks to reassure European allies amid heightened tensions with Russia over the crisis in Ukraine.
Russia views the drills as an indication of NATO’s encroachment on its borders and has organized a series of large-scale military exercises over the past months in the Baltic, Black Sea and Arctic region to show its military prowess.
The Obama administration is considering new “deterrence strategies” to prevent Russia from meddling in Europe.
The approach involves boosting militaries of allies and potential partners, expanding the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and increased training exercises, The Wall Street Journal reports.
The measures stem from a recognition that sanctions alone have failed to make Russian President Vladimir Putin reverse course.
“It’s clear the sanctions are working on the Russian economy, but what is not apparent is that that effect on his economy is deterring Putin from following the course that was evidenced in Crimea last year,” Defense Secretary Ashton Carter said Friday in Germany.
US President Barack Obama meets with leaders of European allies this weekend in Germany, where he is expected to push for a tougher stance against Moscow.
HRJ/HRJ
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