In response to your article “Russia and Nato war games ‘raise risk of the real thing’” (12 August), let me remind you that Nato military exercises are intended to enhance security and stability in Europe. All Nato military activities are proportionate, defensive, and fully in line with our international commitments.

The report by the European Leadership Network that you quote misleadingly puts Nato and Russian exercises on a par. In fact, Russia has announced more than 4,000 exercises for this year, which is over 10 times more than what Nato and allies have planned.

The scale and scope of Russia’s exercises are increasing tensions, rather than helping to de-escalate them. Russia is deliberately avoiding military transparency and predictability. It has circumvented the requirements for notification and observation of exercises under the OSCE Vienna document and has made routine use of the “exception” for large, no-notice “snap” exercises. These exercises are part of a more aggressive Russian military doctrine, dangerous political rhetoric, increased military deployments and the illegal annexation of Crimea.

In response, Nato has increased its presence in the eastern part of our alliance, in order to enhance collective defence. This is our core task as a defensive alliance.

Nato seeks no confrontation with Russia. Our military exercises are open to observers, including from Russia. All Nato exercises are announced months in advance. Unlike Russia, Nato fully supports arms control agreements that build trust and confidence. We support calls for more transparency and predictability on military activities. Nato’s biggest exercise in more than a decade, Trident Juncture 2015, will take place in the autumn in Spain, Italy and Portugal. It was announced a year in advance and will welcome observers from all OSCE participating states.

Carmen Romero

Nato deputy spokesperson