NATO is starting its biggest military exercise this year in Norway.

The Cold Response maneuvers, which will last until April 1, involve about 30,000 soldiers, 200 aircraft and 50 ships from 27 countries. The exercises are carried out on water, in the air and on land, the defense of Norway is being worked out in difficult climatic conditions, DW reports.

The exercises are taking place several hundred kilometers from the Russian border. According to NATO, the alliance informed Russia in detail about the upcoming maneuvers and invited it to send its observers to them, but Russia refused.

Close NATO partners Sweden and Finland also participate in the Cold Response exercise. From Germany, the Bundeswehr ship Berlin with a crew of 200 people takes part in the maneuvers.