The NATO, a far-reaching alliance of 29 independent states, agreed to defend each other in case one is attacked by an external party. About battle readiness, the current NATO commander Petr Pavel stated that the alliance is working to increase levels to counter challenges including Russia, terrorism, and cyberwarfare. The alliance performs several military exercises each year to develop battle readiness. Some of those exercises, like Cold Response, stimulate conditions for confrontation with Russian Forces invading through Northern Europe.