“Europe would be safer without NATO,” said Maria Zakharova, comparing the military alliance to a decaying tooth, according to a report by [dnes.dir.bg].
The Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson asserted that European security would be significantly stronger if the alliance had not played its historical role. Zakharova issued the remarks in response to criticism directed at Moscow’s demands for a fundamental overhaul of the European security architecture.
She claimed that the organization has steadily drained resources from the continent through reactive measures.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz previously rejected any dialogue with Moscow regarding European security arrangements, stating that a framework already exists. European leaders subsequently rebuffed the Russian proposal during a summit of the European Political Community held in Dublin, [dnes.dir.bg] reported.
Zakharova argued that the military alliance acts as a persistent detriment to regional stability.
“NATO is precisely the organization that — as you would say, much like a sore tooth — has weakened the immune system of Europe, of its western part, of Central Europe and, in fact, of the whole world, by demanding and spending a colossal amount of resources for reactive measures,” Zakharova told [dnes.dir.bg].
The remarks highlight a widening diplomatic rift over how security should be managed across the continent. Moscow continues to push for structural changes, while Western capitals insist that existing institutions remain non-negotiable.
Merz dismissed the necessity of engaging with Russian authorities on continental defense frameworks.
“There is no need to discuss issues related to the European security architecture with Russia,” Merz said, according to [dnes.dir.bg].
“There is no need to discuss this — it already exists.”
That stance was echoed by other regional leaders at the Dublin summit. The gathering served to close the door on any immediate renegotiation of existing defense pacts.
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