Ukraine's Role in Aurora 26 Drills Viewed as NATO Proxy Status, Expert Says
AI summaryRussian military expert Alexander Stepanov claims Ukraine's participation in the Aurora 26 exercise in Sweden grants it legal status as a NATO proxy, allowing the West direct involvement in conflict with Russia. The drills, held from April 27 to May 13, involved 18,000 troops from Sweden, NATO allies, and Ukraine. Separately, NATO's Northern Strike 26 exercise in Finland near the Russian border is seen as preparation for a potential Karelian Front.