NATO politics · October 2026

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz praised NATO as he accepted the Westphalian Peace Prize in Münster on October 1, warning of the threat posed by Russia. Merz used the event to underline the alliance's role in European security. The award ceremony drew attention to tensions between NATO and Moscow. Merz's remarks came as NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte also addressed Russia's posture toward the alliance. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte called on the alliance to respond after a Russian warning, while the Kremlin and the Russian Senate reacted to his statements. Lithuanian Prime Minister said there is no evidence Russia is preparing an attack on NATO. A Russian diplomat said the NATO chief has no idea about Iran's nuclear program, and Putin dismissed NATO's promise not to expand eastward. Italy's M5S and PD clashed over Ukraine policy.