NATO summit in Ankara

NATO members gathered in Ankara and adopted a package of support for Ukraine, including billions of euros in military aid. The decisions were aimed at reinforcing Ukraine's defence capabilities amid the ongoing war.

Russia's condemnation

The Russian Foreign Ministry swiftly denounced the outcome, labelling the commitments "irresponsible" and saying they could lead to disaster. The ministry accused European allies of preparing for "armed conflict with Russia" and focusing on the militarisation of the European continent.

“The member states of the North Atlantic Alliance have taken irresponsible decisions that could lead to disaster.”

The ministry's statement also charged that NATO is increasingly oriented toward confrontation with Russia.

Zakharova's accusations

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova escalated the rhetoric, asserting that the alliance's stance is existential. She claimed cracks in transatlantic relations persist, despite leaders of European countries and Canada openly demonstrating loyalty to Washington.

“The confrontation with Russia is existential and systemic for NATO.”

Zakharova added that NATO considers Ukrainians merely as expendable material for its geopolitical ambitions, disregarding their fate and the real interests of Europeans even as it funds the Kyiv regime with billions of euros.

“NATO considers Ukrainians simply as expendable material for satisfying its geopolitical ambitions.”

Accusation of militarisation

The Russian ministry said NATO allies had signed up to a vision of defending primarily against Russia, which they again called a long-term threat to Euro-Atlantic security. Moscow characterised this as a further step in the militarisation of Europe.