Russia, through its Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, has maintained that Moscow has no plans to attack the European Union (EU) or NATO member states.
Speaking at the Minsk International Conference on Eurasian security, Lavrov —however —warned that any aggression against Russia would be met with a “decisive response.”
“Russia has never had and does not have such intentions, but any aggression against my country will be met with a decisive response,” the Russian minister said.
Lavrov criticised Western threats, calling accusations that Russia plans attacks on NATO and the EU “unfounded.” He said these threats are becoming “increasingly common” and reiterated that Moscow has no aggressive intentions toward Europe.
“By the way, we have repeatedly stated that we have no intentions of attacking any current member country of NATO or the European Union,” Lavrov said, speaking at the 3rd Minsk International Conference on Eurasian Security.
Criticism of Israel and Middle East Policy
The Russian minister criticised the European Union’s approach to security guarantees, saying they are being considered collectively against Russia rather than with its participation.
“The European Union’s leaders are avoiding the consideration of these future guarantees that rest on a completely collective basis, proudly stating that following the Ukrainian crisis, security guarantees should exist not with Russia’s participation, but against Russia. This is an example of their thinking,” the Russian top diplomat added.
Lavrov also condemned the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks in Israel but criticized Israel’s response in Gaza.
He stated there is “no justification” for the “brutal killings” of Palestinians or plans to annex the West Bank.
According to the Hamas-run health ministry, Israeli strikes have killed at least 65,926 people, while the Hamas attacks killed around 1,200 and left 251 hostages.
The minister also accused Israel of using its anti-Hamas operations to justify airstrikes on other Middle Eastern countries, including Qatar.
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He warned that such actions threaten to destabilize the region.
Tensions in Europe and the US-Russia Relationship
Lavrov also addressed recent European tensions, including airspace violations in Denmark and Estonia, and NATO’s defensive measures over Poland following Russian drone incursions.
Moscow denied involvement in the Denmark drone incidents, which authorities said were conducted by a “professional actor.”
In the US, Lavrov highlighted the current administration’s willingness to explore pragmatic cooperation on Ukraine without adopting an ideological stance.
He also criticized the delayed recognition of a Palestinian state by some Western countries, suggesting it reflected strategic timing rather than principle.
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Meanwhile, Russia and its war in Ukraine continues into its third year, with Moscow recently carrying out one of its largest overnight drone attacks.
According to the US President, Donald Trump, has suggested NATO should shoot down Russian planes violating airspace, while NATO itself has vowed to use “all necessary military and non-military tools” to defend its members.
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