Maria Zakharova claims Europe would be safer without NATO

On November 14, 2026, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova stated that European security would be significantly improved if NATO did not exist. During her briefing, Zakharova described the alliance as a factor that has weakened the immune system of Europe and the wider world by consuming vast resources for defensive responses, likening its presence to a persistent toothache.

This rhetoric was presented as a direct rebuttal to German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who recently rejected Moscow's calls to negotiate a new European security architecture. Merz argued that there is no necessity to engage in such discussions with Russia, as the current structure is already sufficient. This exchange follows the recent rejection of Russian proposals regarding regional security by European leaders during a summit in Dublin.

The tension highlights the ongoing diplomatic standoff between Moscow and the West regarding the future of the continent's defense framework. While Russia advocates for a reorganization of the security landscape, European leaders remain firm in their position that current arrangements are not up for negotiation, leaving little room for de-escalation in the immediate future.