Russian spokesperson says Europe would be safer without NATO

Maria Zakharova, the spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, stated on November 15, 2026, that Europe would likely be safer without NATO. Her comments followed recent remarks made by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz regarding the current state of European security. Zakharova compared the North Atlantic Treaty Organization to a bad tooth that weakens the immune system of Europe and the world by consuming vast resources for reactive measures.

Diplomatic tensions in Dublin

The comments from the Russian Foreign Ministry were a response to statements made by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz during a visit to Dublin. Friedrich Merz stated in Dublin that there is no need to discuss European security architecture with Russia because such an architecture already exists. This position follows a recent summit in Dublin where European leaders rejected a proposal from Moscow.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas also spoke in Dublin regarding the requirements for future diplomatic efforts. Kaja Kallas stated that a ceasefire to end civilian bombings must occur before negotiations on a peace agreement and future European security can proceed. This stance emphasizes the necessity of halting active hostilities before formalizing long-term security frameworks.

Negotiations and security architecture

Russia's chief negotiator, Vladimir Medinsky, provided details regarding recent high-level discussions between Russia and the United States. Vladimir Medinsky stated on November 12, 2026, that Russia and the United States discussed the future of European security during two-day talks held in Abu Dhabi. While Vladimir Medinsky noted that Russia and the United States found agreement on some issues, he also noted that the two nations maintain differences on other issues.

Vladimir Medinsky expressed reservations regarding the participation of Europeans in further negotiations. These diplomatic tensions occur as the international community continues to navigate the complexities of European stability and the expansion of military alliances.

NATO expansion and regional context

The geopolitical landscape in Europe has shifted significantly due to recent membership changes in NATO. Finland became a NATO member in April 2023, following a period of application that began in May 2022. Sweden also joined the alliance in March 2024, after both Finland and Sweden applied for NATO membership together in May 2022 following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

European leaders maintain that every country has the right to decide its own membership in a military alliance. This principle stands in contrast to the views expressed by Russian officials regarding the impact of the alliance on regional security. The ongoing debate highlights the fundamental disagreements regarding the existing security architecture and the future of European stability.

Glossary

• NATO — NATO is a military alliance. It is an organization that countries can join as members.