Montenegro hosts the largest NATO exercises in its history
International exercises involving servicemen from 32 NATO member states and partner countries began in Montenegro, as reported by Balkan Insight. About 680 participants, including those from Ukraine, will take part in exercises focused on responding to floods, chemical incidents, and other catastrophes.
Montenegro's Deputy Prime Minister, Duško Marković, referred to these exercises – the largest NATO exercises in Montenegro’s history - as "a great moment for the country" which proved once again that it is ready to be a member of the Western alliance.
"In a couple of months, Montenegro expects to formalize its [NATO] membership and this visit by senior officials will be an opportunity to talk about what is expected of Montenegro at that time," Marković said.
The NATO exercise takes place only two weeks after an alleged coup attempt was thwarted on Election Day, the 16th of October. Montenegro officials stated that Russia was involved in the incident and wants to prevent them from joining NATO. On the 2nd of November, the new Deputy Secretary General of NATO, Rose Gottemoeller, will visit Montenegro.