"Every nation has the right to exercise its forces as long as it’s done within the agreed international obligations and relations. We would welcome an invitation to observe the ZAPAD exercise. NATO strongly believes in transparency, predictability related to military activities like exercises. We will also welcome an advanced briefing on the exercise," Stoltenberg said at joint press conference with Estonian Prime Minister Juri Ratas.
The NATO invited Russia to observe ten drills held by the Alliance in 2016, Stoltenberg reminded.
Belarusian Defense Minister Andrei Ravkov said in February that the drills do not impose any threat to the third countries, as the exercises are aimed at improving the defensive capabilities and strategic deterrence of the armies. Moscow has also repeatedly stressed that it would never attack any of NATO member states.
On January 30, Stoltenberg said the Alliance did not see any threat posed by Russia to its eastern flank.
