Russia has no intention of attacking any NATO or EU member state, according to foreign minister Sergei Lavrov, but he warned of a “decisive response” if Moscow faced aggression. Speaking in New York at the 80th UN General Assembly, Mr Lavrov claimed threats against Russia from Western nations were becoming “increasingly common”. His remarks came amid recent allegations that Russian aircraft and drones had violated the airspace of neighbouring countries.
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Estonia reported last week that Russian fighter jets entered its airspace for 12 minutes, while NATO conducted an air defence mission in Poland following what it described as “unprecedented” drone incursions. Romania and Latvia also said that Russian drones had crossed their borders this month. Mr Lavrov denied that Moscow planned attacks on the alliance or EU members, accusing the West of fuelling tensions. He insisted that Russia would act firmly if its sovereignty were violated.
After his UN address, Mr Lavrov held a press conference where he was asked how Russia would respond if its aircraft or drones were shot down. He argued that states had the right to defend their borders against drones passing overhead but warned that any attempt to strike targets within Russian airspace would be seen as a serious breach of territorial integrity. Such actions, he said, would make those responsible “seriously regret it”. His remarks followed US President Donald Trump’s call for NATO nations to shoot down Russian planes if they entered allied airspace.
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Mr Lavrov also used his UN speech to condemn Israel’s actions in Gaza and the wider Middle East, accusing it of using “brutal force” against Palestinians and destabilising the region. He criticised Israeli plans to annex the West Bank, calling them a “coup d’état in diplomatic terms”. Israel denies targeting civilians, stating that its military operations are essential for self-defence. Observers noted that Mr Lavrov’s comments may be viewed as hypocritical, given Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine, where its forces have been accused of similar tactics in cities such as Mariupol.
