Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told the UN General Assembly that Moscow has no plans to attack NATO or EU member states. However, he warned that any form of aggression directed at Russia would be met with a “decisive response.” Lavrov criticized Western nations for spreading allegations about Russian military threats, insisting that President Vladimir Putin had already dismissed such claims as provocative misinformation.
Lavrov Condemns Israeli Actions, Warns of Regional Destabilization and Criticizes Western Sanctions
Lavrov addressed the Middle East conflict, condemning the Hamas-led 7 October 2023 attacks but sharply criticizing Israel’s subsequent military campaign in Gaza. He argued that Israel’s strikes and plans to annex the West Bank amounted to unjustifiable “brutal killings” of Palestinians. According to figures from Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry, nearly 66,000 Palestinians have been killed since the conflict escalated. Lavrov also accused Israel of using its war against Hamas as cover to carry out strikes on other countries in the region.
Expanding on his critique of Israel, Lavrov warned that Israeli aggression could destabilize the broader Middle East and “blow up” the region. He noted that Israel had justified strikes beyond Gaza by linking them to its fight against Hamas, with countries like Qatar reportedly targeted. On Iran, Lavrov condemned Western powers for reimposing sanctions after a last-minute Russian-Chinese bid to delay them failed, calling the decision “illegal” and harmful to diplomacy.
Russia Rejects Airspace Violation Claims, Signals Openness to US Dialogue Amid Conflicts
Lavrov also addressed European security concerns, rejecting accusations of Russian involvement in airspace violations over Denmark, Estonia, and Poland. Denmark reported drone incursions, describing them as the work of a “professional actor” but admitted no evidence linked Russia directly. Meanwhile, NATO has stepped up air defense missions in response to increasing incidents. Against this backdrop, Russia’s war in Ukraine entered its third year, with Moscow recently carrying out one of its largest overnight drone attacks.
In his remarks on global diplomacy, Lavrov expressed cautious openness to pragmatic cooperation with the US, while suggesting that Washington’s current approach leaves room for constructive dialogue on Ukraine. He also criticized Western recognition of a Palestinian state, implying that countries like the UK and France had waited until the situation in Gaza was dire. His speech reflected Russia’s broader stance of rejecting Western pressure while seeking to position itself as a counterweight in international conflicts.
