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ConflictRussia warns NATO summit decisions could lead to catastrophic consequences
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Russia has denounced decisions made at the NATO summit in Turkey, warning they could lead to catastrophic consequences for the alliance and the world. Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova criticized NATO's priorities, including militarization of Europe, building defense capabilities, preparing for conflict with Russia, and aiding Ukraine. NATO members pledged €70 billion ($80 billion) in military assistance to Ukraine for 2026, reaffirmed their 'ironclad commitment' to collective defence under Article 5, and unveiled arms deals worth at least $50 billion. Zakharova also highlighted cracks between the US and its NATO partners, citing disagreements over Greenland and lack of US support from allies. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte responded that disputes between US President Donald Trump and other leaders demonstrate the alliance's democratic strength and should serve as a lesson for Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Source report
Published: July 9, 2026 — 04:27 am IST Source: Reuters
Russia has condemned decisions made at the NATO summit in Turkey, warning they could lead to catastrophic consequences. The alliance announced new military aid for Ukraine and reaffirmed its members' commitment to collective defence.
Russia's Response
Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova stated that NATO's priorities remain unchanged, citing:
- The militarisation of the European continent
- A focus on building up defence capabilities
- Preparation for an armed conflict with Russia
- Continued aid to Ukraine
"It is a pity, because if NATO strategists had stopped and thought for a moment, they might not have made such irresponsible decisions that could lead to a catastrophe not just for the alliance, but for the whole world," Ms. Zakharova said in a statement on her ministry's website.
NATO Commitments
At the summit, NATO members pledged:
- €70 billion ($80 billion) in military assistance to Ukraine for 2026
- Reaffirmation of their "ironclad commitment" to collective defence under Article 5
- Arms deals worth at least $50 billion
Internal Divisions
Ms. Zakharova noted that "cracks" between the United States and its NATO partners "have not gone anywhere."
"Against this backdrop, the Americans do not hide their disappointment with the North Atlantic bloc," she wrote. "The issue with Greenland is not being resolved according to the American scenario. There is also resentment that alliance members, as Washington sees it, did not act in a supportive way when the United States needed their backing."
NATO's Response
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, in an interview with Reuters, said disputes between U.S. President Donald Trump and other NATO leaders demonstrated the alliance's democratic strength and should serve as a lesson for Russian President Vladimir Putin.
"I would say to Putin: You should have some more discussions yourself, out in the open," Mr. Rutte told Reuters.
Related coverage:
- NATO allies reaffirm 'ironclad' commitment to collective defence
- Ukraine says its drones struck three refineries and tankers in Russia
- Trump blasts Spain, targets Greenland at NATO summit
- Russia tries to jam Musk's Starlink systems to counter Ukrainian drones
- Trump berates NATO, praises Turkey's Erdogan as summit starts
Source
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Western
Part of this Story
NATO Secretary General Rutte Outlines Ankara Summit Goals on Defense Spending and Ukraine