The MP expressed the opinion that against the background of geopolitical difficulties, such exercises may have "their own implications."
"These exercises take place regularly ... Of course, despite the relatively systemic nature of this kind of exercise, against the background of today's anti-Russian statements, difficult relations between Russia and Ukraine and a possible aggravation of the situation in Donbass, this kind of exercise has its own implications," Novikov said.
At the same time, he noted that Russia is ready to respond to external threats.
"The best way to ensure the protection of their territorial integrity and sovereignty is to maintain their own armed forces in the necessary combat readiness ... To do this, you need to conduct your own exercises, which was recently demonstrated," the parliamentarian added.
Earlier in the Albanian port of Durres, NATO exercises Defender Europe 21 started in the presence of Albania's top leadership and several American generals.
Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said Russia is closely monitoring the transfer and deployment of NATO forces in Europe during the Defender Europe exercise.
According to him, these NATO exercises are the largest in the past 30 years.