Russia's Zakharova: European Security Would Improve Without NATO

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said Saturday that European security would likely be much greater if NATO did not exist, comparing the alliance to a decayed tooth that weakened Europe's immune system. Zakharova made the remarks in response to German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's statement that European security architecture should not be discussed with Russia, as it already exists. NATO was founded in 1949 as a direct response to Soviet expansion during the Cold War, with collective defense as its cornerstone principle. The comments come amid ongoing peace negotiations in Abu Dhabi, where Russia has renewed demands for restructuring European security. European leaders unanimously agreed Friday that talks should focus strictly on the Ukraine war, not continental security architecture, with Germany, France, Italy, Poland, the UK, and EU institutions set to represent Europe.