Russia has strongly criticised decisions made at the NATO summit in Turkey, warning they could lead to “catastrophic” consequences after the military alliance pledged fresh support for Ukraine and reaffirmed its collective defence commitments.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova accused NATO of continuing its long-standing strategy of expanding military capabilities across Europe while preparing for a potential armed confrontation with Russia.
She said the alliance’s priorities remained centred on the militarisation of the European continent, strengthening defence capabilities and providing continued military assistance to Ukraine. Moscow argues that NATO’s latest commitments risk escalating tensions at a time when the conflict in Ukraine remains unresolved.
“It is regrettable that NATO’s strategists did not stop to consider the consequences of such irresponsible decisions, which could lead to a catastrophe not only for the alliance but for the entire world,” Zakharova said in a statement published by the Russian Foreign Ministry.
At the summit, NATO members pledged €70 billion (US$80 billion) in military assistance for Ukraine in 2026. The alliance also reaffirmed its “ironclad commitment” to collective defence under Article 5 and announced new arms agreements worth at least US$50 billion.
Zakharova also claimed divisions between the United States and its NATO allies remain unresolved, saying Washington continues to express disappointment with some members of the alliance.
She pointed to disagreements over Greenland and suggested the United States believed its allies had failed to provide sufficient support when Washington required it.
Meanwhile, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte dismissed suggestions that differences among alliance members weakened NATO. In an interview with Reuters, he said public disagreements between US President Donald Trump and other NATO leaders reflected the alliance’s democratic values rather than internal weakness.
Rutte added that the openness of debates within NATO should serve as a lesson for Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying such discussions demonstrate the strength of democratic alliances.
