Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov issued a stern warning to NATO and the European Union, declaring that any aggression against Russia would trigger a “decisive response.” Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly, Lavrov cautioned Western nations against downing aircraft in Russian airspace and accused Germany of fueling “militaristic rhetoric.” His remarks come as tensions escalate along NATO’s eastern flank, where Estonia reported Russian fighter jets entering its airspace and NATO warplanes shot down Russian drones over Poland.
Lavrov dismissed recent comments by U.S. President Donald Trump, who endorsed shooting down Russian jets violating NATO airspace and labeled Moscow’s military a “paper tiger.” While brushing off Trump’s remarks, Lavrov warned that attempts to down Russian aircraft inside its borders would be seen as a severe violation of sovereignty with grave consequences. He also emphasized that Russia has never targeted EU or NATO countries with drones or missiles and has no plans to do so.
Addressing the conflict in Ukraine, Lavrov insisted that only the “politically blind” would expect Kyiv to regain pre-2022 borders, countering Trump’s assertion that Ukraine could reclaim occupied territories. He also criticized German Chancellor Friedrich Merz for what he described as alarming “militaristic” statements and expressed concern about politicians in NATO and EU capitals framing a possible World War Three as “likely.”
Despite sharp criticism of the West, Lavrov noted that Moscow still seeks “frank dialogue” with Washington. He confirmed that Russia and the U.S. plan a third round of talks to restore strained embassy operations, following his recent meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Lavrov also voiced alarm over U.S. naval activity near Venezuela, warning that moves against drug cartels could be exploited to justify military action. He suggested that attempts to link Haiti’s gang crisis to Venezuela through a U.N. resolution could be misused to expand intervention.
At the same time, Lavrov reaffirmed that Russia’s economic relations with India remain stable despite U.S. tariffs, urging both India and China to resist pressure to stop purchasing Russian oil.