The Nordic Response military exercise, involving 4,500 Swedish soldiers among 20,000 participants from NATO countries and Sweden, has sparked controversy and concern from Russia.

Russian officials, including Vice Foreign Minister Alexander Grusjko, have criticized the drills as "provocative" and warned of increased risks of military incidents near their borders.

Despite Russian objections, Swedish and Finnish military leaders defend the exercise as a defensive operation aimed at bolstering the security of Northern Europe.

The exercise, part of NATO's Steadfast Defender series, represents the alliance's largest training event since the Cold War, emphasizing readiness to defend against potential aggressions.