In a military move that sends several letters to Moscow, a US aircraft carrier entered the Arctic to engage in military maneuvers near the Russian border amid mounting diplomatic and military tensions over several files, the latest of which is the United States' intention to withdraw from a nuclear treaty.
The entry of the US military ship into the region is the first of its kind since the end of the Cold War, almost 30 years ago.
The timing of these military maneuvers raises doubts among the Russians, especially since US President Donald Trump announced on Saturday his intention to withdraw from a nuclear treaty concluded with Moscow during the Cold War, specifically 31 years ago.
The last entry of the aircraft carrier to the Arctic to 1991, the last passage from the Sea of Norway back to 1987, and observers believe that the atmosphere of tension over the relations between Washington and Moscow during the last two years warn of further escalation, even if it is unlikely to develop things to Open confrontation between the two superpowers.
Review of "intensity and flexibility"
The ship, named after former US President Harry Truman and nuclear-powered, is aimed at reviewing US power in the Norwegian Sea.
A statement by the US Navy said the aim was to highlight "toughness and flexibility."
The command of the military ship indicated that the exercises would undergo intensive training on takeoff and landing in the harsh weather of the Arctic, and the US Navy is trying to test readiness in such circumstances.
The aircraft carrier Harry Truman is expected to join NATO military exercises between October 25 and November 7, and observers say the exercise will be the largest of its kind because it will have 50,000 fighters, 65 ships and 250 fighter jets.
The exercises will take place in an area of Iceland, Norway, Sweden and Finland.
These movements increase the military presence of both the United States and Russia in the Arctic.
The atmosphere is tense
The nuclear treaty, which eliminated a full range of missiles ranging from 500 to 5,000 kilometers, put an end to a crisis that erupted in the 1980s over the Soviet Union's deployment of SS-20 missiles, which were aimed at Western European capitals.
The deal was signed by former US President Ronald Reagan and former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev in December 1987, to be the first and only treaty between the two poles.
The treaty, or so it is assumed, forced the parties to withdraw more than 2,600 conventional, short- and medium-range nuclear missiles.
The withdrawal does not necessarily mean a nuclear war between the East and the West, but Trump's decision raised fears of a frantic race to develop and produce nuclear weapons in both camps, as well as the allies of Washington and Moscow.
Tension between Washington and Moscow has deepened over the past two years amid US accusations that Russia has intervened in the US political process through electronic piracy, and Washington has imposed a package of sanctions on Russia.
The murder of Russian double agent Sergey Scrippal in Britain has provoked more Western anger at Russia.
