Nato called a special meeting with Russia for tomorrow to discuss the school siege that killed 335 people.
Defence alliance officials said the meeting would demonstrate alliance solidarity with Russia in the wake of the massacre and allow the 26 allies to express their condolences.
They did not rule out discussion of increased counterterrorism cooperation with Russia, but specific ideas would likely be left to later talks.
Nato Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer has pledged to continue to work with Russia to combat terrorist threats.