According to a Russian website on August 10th, the Russia US summit scheduled for August 15th will be held against the backdrop of the "Arctic Rim" military exercise jointly organized by the North American Aerospace Defense Command and the US Northern Command. According to media reports, NATO allies of the United States also participated in this exercise aimed at countering Russia. Moscow has repeatedly criticized NATO's actions in the Arctic, but has expressed willingness to cooperate with the United States in the region. The 'Arctic Rim' exercise began on August 1st in Alaska and will continue until August 31st. The participants in the exercise include the United States Air Force, Army, Navy, and Marine Corps, as well as British and Danish military personnel. The Pentagon stated that "the key tasks of the exercise include exercising command and management functions to support the defense of the country in the Arctic region; opening up a battlefield in Alaska, including the Port of Mackenzie; and demonstrating readiness." The US Department of Defense also stated that one of the objectives of the exercise is to "track and intercept incoming cruise missiles. Last week, within the framework of the "Arctic Rim" exercise, the Elmendorf Richardson Joint Base in Anchorage launched a giant transparent balloon equipped with communication and electronic reconnaissance equipment over Alaska. Over the weekend, military transport planes and helicopters were deployed for exercises. According to US media reports, the main purpose of the "Arctic Rim" exercise is to counter Russia. In addition, the "Polar Dagger" exercise will be held in Alaska from August 15th to 25th, with participation from the US Navy SEALs and other special forces units. In recent years, such exercises have been regularly held in the Arctic region. The Pentagon updated its Arctic strategy during the Biden administration, announcing the need to expand the US military presence in the region. The drafter of the document emphasized at the time that Russia is the main threat to US Arctic interests, stating that it "continues to strengthen military facilities in the region and makes excessive claims to Arctic waters". (New Society)