MOSCOW – In a significant diplomatic overture amid ongoing geopolitical tensions, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova declared on Thursday that Moscow views the establishment of mutual non-aggression guarantees as a pivotal mechanism to foster comprehensive security across the Eurasian continent. Speaking at a weekly press briefing in the Russian capital, Zakharova underscored Russia's commitment to an indivisible security framework that encompasses the entirety of Eurasia, rejecting fragmented regional approaches.
The remarks came in direct response to a query from Anadolu Agency, a Turkish state-run news outlet, highlighting Russia's proactive stance on reshaping European and Asian security architectures. "Russia proceeds from the need to create security throughout Eurasia, not just in certain regions," Zakharova asserted. She elaborated that true security must be universal in nature, stating emphatically, "Security will either be universal, or it will not be at all."
Zakharova's comments build on a core Russian foreign policy principle: the indivisibility of security. This concept posits that the safety of one nation or bloc cannot be achieved at the expense of another, a viewpoint Moscow has long promoted in opposition to NATO's eastward expansion. "We believe that Eurasian security should be based on the principle of indivisibility in all its components," she explained. "One of the forms of implementing this principle in practice could be the provision of mutual guarantees of non-aggression. There may be other forms."
The spokeswoman reiterated that Russian President Vladimir Putin has consistently endorsed this approach. "Yes, this is not an easy job, but we have announced its principles and are ready for it," Zakharova added, signaling Moscow's willingness to engage in complex negotiations despite acknowledged challenges.
This latest statement aligns closely with recent declarations from high-level Russian officials. On Tuesday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov addressed the Minsk Security Forum in Belarus, where he explicitly stated that Moscow is prepared to extend non-aggression guarantees to NATO member states. Lavrov's speech emphasized reciprocity, suggesting that such assurances could form the basis for de-escalating tensions between Russia and the Western alliance.
The timing of these pronouncements is noteworthy, occurring against the backdrop of protracted conflicts and strategic rivalries. Russia's military operation in Ukraine, launched in February 2022, has profoundly strained relations with NATO countries, leading to unprecedented sanctions, military aid to Kyiv, and a reevaluation of European security postures. Moscow has repeatedly criticized NATO's infrastructure buildup near its borders, including the deployment of troops and missile systems in Eastern Europe, as provocative actions that undermine regional stability.
Zakharova's briefing provided a platform to reiterate these grievances while extending an olive branch. She argued that mutual non-aggression pacts could serve as a practical step toward realizing indivisible security, potentially involving legally binding commitments from all parties to refrain from hostile actions. While specifics on the proposed guarantees remain sparse, Russian officials have historically referenced models such as the 1975 Helsinki Final Act, which enshrined principles of sovereign equality and non-use of force during the Cold War era.
President Putin's support for this initiative is well-documented. In various speeches and interviews over the past year, he has advocated for a new European security treaty that addresses Russia's concerns about NATO enlargement. During a June 2024 address to the Russian Foreign Ministry, Putin outlined draft proposals for long-term peace in Europe, including calls for mutual security assurances. Zakharova's reference to Putin's backing reinforces the Kremlin's unified messaging on this front.
The proposal for non-aggression guarantees is not entirely novel. In December 2021, ahead of the Ukraine conflict's escalation, Russia presented draft treaties to the United States and NATO demanding legally binding promises against further alliance expansion and the stationing of offensive weapons in proximity to Russian territory. Although those initiatives were rebuffed by Western capitals, Moscow appears to be reviving elements of that diplomacy in a modified form, perhaps in response to evolving battlefield dynamics and international mediation efforts.
Lavrov's forum appearance in Minsk further contextualizes Zakharova's statements. The Belarusian capital, a close ally of Russia, hosted discussions on Eurasian security amid participation from various regional stakeholders. Lavrov reportedly stressed that Russia harbors no aggressive intentions toward NATO but seeks reciprocal assurances to prevent miscalculations that could lead to direct confrontation. "We are ready to provide NATO countries with guarantees of non-aggression," he said, according to official transcripts.
Analysts interpret these moves as part of a broader Russian strategy to exploit perceived divisions within the Western alliance. With some European nations expressing fatigue over sustained support for Ukraine and concerns about economic repercussions from the conflict, Moscow may be positioning itself as a reasonable actor open to dialogue. However, skepticism abounds in Western corridors. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has previously dismissed similar Russian overtures as insincere, insisting that any security discussions must address Russia's actions in Ukraine and respect for international law, including the United Nations Charter.
Zakharova did not delve into potential counterparts for these guarantees during the briefing but implied a pan-Eurasian scope, potentially involving not only European powers but also Asian giants like China and India. Russia's deepening partnerships within frameworks such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and BRICS underscore its pivot toward multilateralism beyond the Euro-Atlantic sphere.
The spokeswoman's emphasis on "other forms" of implementing indivisible security leaves room for alternative mechanisms, such as confidence-building measures, arms control agreements, or revived formats like the OSCE (Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe). Russia has long advocated for the OSCE's revitalization as a neutral platform for dialogue, contrasting it with NATO's perceived bias.
Domestically, Zakharova's remarks resonate with Russian public opinion, which state media portrays as supportive of assertive foreign policy. Polls conducted by government-aligned institutions often show high approval for Putin's handling of international affairs, framing security proposals as defensive necessities against encirclement.
Internationally, reactions vary. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, whose country maintains balanced ties with both Russia and Ukraine, has positioned Ankara as a mediator. The Anadolu query itself reflects Turkey's interest in Eurasian stability, given its NATO membership and energy dependencies on Russia.
In Brussels and Washington, officials remain cautious. U.S. State Department spokespersons have routinely called for Russia to withdraw forces from Ukraine as a prerequisite for meaningful talks. European Union leaders, meanwhile, continue to coordinate sanctions and military assistance to Kyiv, with the latest package approved in October 2025 focusing on energy sector restrictions.
Despite these hurdles, Zakharova's declaration injects a diplomatic variable into an otherwise militarized discourse. By framing non-aggression guarantees as a voluntary, mutual endeavor, Russia seeks to shift narrative control, portraying Western rejection as obstructionist.
As the briefing concluded, Zakharova fielded additional questions on unrelated topics, including bilateral relations with African nations and cultural exchanges. However, the Eurasian security theme dominated headlines, amplified by state outlets like TASS and RT.
In summary, Moscow's advocacy for mutual non-aggression guarantees represents a calculated effort to recalibrate continental security dynamics. Rooted in the principle of indivisibility, this initiative—championed by Putin, articulated by Lavrov, and echoed by Zakharova—signals readiness for negotiation while maintaining firm red lines. Whether it garners traction amid entrenched mistrust remains uncertain, but it undeniably reaffirms Russia's vision for a multipolar Eurasian order.
The proposal's viability hinges on reciprocal concessions, a prospect complicated by ongoing hostilities. Nonetheless, in an era of hybrid threats and nuclear saber-rattling, even exploratory diplomacy warrants attention. As Zakharova aptly noted, the task is arduous, yet Moscow professes preparedness to undertake it.
