Zakharova claims Europe would be safer without NATO alliance

Maria Zakharova, the spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, stated on November 15, 2026, that Europe would likely be much safer without NATO. The Russian official compared the North Atlantic Treaty Organization to a toothache that has weakened the immune systems of Western Europe, Central Europe, and the entire world. This criticism comes as international tensions remain high following recent diplomatic developments in Europe.

Criticism of NATO resource use

Maria Zakharova argued that the North Atlantic Treaty Organization has weakened the immune systems of Western Europe, Central Europe, and the entire world. According to the Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson, this weakening occurred because the alliance absorbs vast resources for various response measures. The spokesperson suggested that the current role played by the alliance is detrimental to global stability. Maria Zakharova stated that Europe would likely be much safer if NATO had not played and does not continue to play its current role.

The comparison to a toothache was used by Maria Zakharova to illustrate how the alliance consumes massive resources. The Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson claimed that these resources are being absorbed by the alliance for various response measures, which impacts the stability of different regions. This rhetoric highlights the ongoing friction between the Russian Foreign Ministry and Western security structures.

Response to German Chancellor

The comments made by Maria Zakharova were a response to statements made by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson addressed the position held by the German leader regarding the security of the continent. According to Russian state news agency TASS, the remarks from Maria Zakharova were directed at the stance taken by the German Chancellor.

Friedrich Merz previously stated that there is no reason to discuss European security architecture with Russia. The German Chancellor claimed that a European security architecture already exists. This position from Friedrich Merz emphasizes a refusal to negotiate security frameworks with the Russian government, asserting that the current structures are sufficient for the continent.

Diplomatic context in Dublin

The recent statements from both the Russian Foreign Ministry and the German Chancellor occur against a backdrop of recent diplomatic rejection. European leaders recently rejected a proposal from Moscow during a summit held in Dublin. This rejection of the Moscow proposal during the Dublin summit has contributed to the current atmosphere of diplomatic tension between European leaders and the Russian government.

The refusal by European leaders to accept the proposal from Moscow in Dublin has set a difficult tone for international relations. Following that summit, the rhetoric from officials like Maria Zakharova and Friedrich Merz has intensified. The disagreement over whether a new European security architecture is necessary remains a central point of contention between the Russian Foreign Ministry and European leaders.

Glossary

• NATO — NATO is an alliance that absorbs vast resources for various response measures. It plays a role in peacekeeping and mediating to resolve conflicts.
• North Atlantic Treaty Organization — The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is an international alliance. It is an organization that some European Union member states participate in, such as through the Partnership for Peace (PfP) program.
• Russian Foreign Ministry — The Russian Foreign Ministry is a government body. It is represented by a spokesperson who addresses diplomatic matters and the actions of the Russian government.