"All nations have the right to exercise their armed forces, but it is essential that this is done in a transparent and predictable manner. VOSTOK demonstrates Russia's focus on exercising large-scale conflict. It fits into a pattern we have seen over some time: a more assertive Russia, significantly increasing its military capability and presence. The UK and our Allies are observing the exercise closely," Ahmad wrote in the letter, responding to a parliamentary request to assess the Vostok drills and its influence on the West’s interests.
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Russia has repeatedly said that the Vostok drills were not directed against NATO states and did not affect their security as the exercises were held far from the NATO states.