Russia reacts to NATO Summit in Ankara

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova issued a written statement regarding the NATO Summit held in Ankara on July 7-8. Zakharova claimed that the summit focused on the Alliance's efforts to militarize the European continent, increase its defense capacity, and prepare for a potential armed conflict with Russia.

Stating that NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte tried to present the summit as "groundbreaking" in the history of the Alliance, Zakharova argued that no concrete results emerged from the meeting. According to Zakharova, the disagreements among NATO allies could not be resolved either.

Zakharova alleged that European countries and Canada sent messages of loyalty to Washington to ensure that US President Donald Trump does not lose interest in European security and to prevent the acceleration of the process of withdrawing US forces from the continent. However, she claimed that these statements did not eliminate the "cracks" within the alliance.

Above all, they are once again planning to defend against Russia, which they characterize as a long-term threat to Euro-Atlantic security.

Arguing that Russia has been turned into an "existential and systemic" area of confrontation for NATO, Zakharova stated that the current political elites in Europe are "trying to take a leading position in the collective West's conflict with Russia." She said that this policy not only poses a threat to Moscow but also depletes Europe's resources and creates new areas of military tension on the continent.

UKRAINE AID AND DEFENSE SPENDING

Zakharova also claimed that the US does not hide its dissatisfaction with NATO. She stated that the belief persists that Washington did not get the result it wanted in the Greenland issue and did not receive the support it expected from NATO countries during times of need.

Pointing out that the total defense spending of NATO countries is expected to reach 1.8 trillion dollars in 2026, Zakharova said that these resources could be used in different areas. Arguing that the Alliance does not prioritize a "constructive agenda," Zakharova stated that the main line has not changed.

The general line does not change; militarization of the European continent, focusing on increasing defense potential, preparation for armed conflict with Russia, and of course, aid to Ukraine.

Zakharova claimed that some countries within NATO are using Ukraine in line with the goal of inflicting a "strategic defeat" on Russia. She reported that a promise of 70 billion euros in military aid to Ukraine was made at the summit in Ankara this year, and that the same level of support is planned to be maintained in 2027.

Arguing that Western administrations have pushed the social and economic problems of Europeans into the background, Zakharova said that Ukrainians are also seen as "expendable elements" for the sake of geopolitical goals. Referring to Rutte's words, "There is no time to think," Zakharova claimed that NATO strategists are making "irresponsible decisions that could drag the world into catastrophe."