Russia denounces NATO summit decisions on aid for Ukraine, defence
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- Russia's Foreign Ministry denounced NATO's Turkey summit decisions (July 8, 2026), with spokesperson Maria Zakharova calling them 'irresponsible' and warning they could cause 'catastrophe not just for the alliance, but for the whole world.'
- NATO pledged €70 billion ($80 billion) in military assistance to Ukraine for 2026 and announced arms deals worth at least $50 billion.
- NATO's summit declaration reaffirmed the alliance's 'ironclad commitment' to collective defence under Article 5.
- Zakharova argued 'cracks' between the U.S. and NATO persist, citing the unresolved Greenland issue and Washington's frustration that allies failed to back it when needed.
- NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte told Reuters the visible disputes among allies demonstrate NATO's democratic strength and told Putin: 'You should have some more discussions yourself, out in the open.'
Why it matters: Zakharova's invocation of Greenland and Trump's frustrations shows Moscow's diplomatic play — amplifying intra-NATO tensions while €70 billion in fresh Ukraine aid flows the opposite direction. Rutte's pointed retort, openly inviting Putin to debate, signals NATO intends to project unity on Ukraine funding despite the cracks Moscow is highlighting.
