Russia's foreign minister Sergei Lavrov says his country has no intention of attacking EU or NATO member states but warned of a decisive response to any aggression directed towards Moscow. In a wide-ranging speech delivered at the UN General Assembly on Saturday, Lavrov said threats against Russia by Western countries were becoming increasingly common. He also took aim at Israel, condemning the violence resulting from the conflict that erupted on October 7, 2023, while arguing there was no justification for Israeli actions in Gaza.
With a reported death toll exceeding 65,926 from Israeli airstrikes according to the Hamas-run health ministry, Lavrov criticized Israeli military actions in the region, stating they threatened to blow up existing tensions in the Middle East. He remarked on Israel's justification for military operations in its bid to defeat Hamas in Gaza.
Lavrov accused Western nations of sabotaging international diplomacy, specifically regarding Iran, claiming an effort led by Russia and China to delay the reimposition of sanctions had been thwarted. He reiterated that any perceived aggression towards Russia would be met with robust responses, urging that Russia has never had and does not have such intentions of attacking NATO or EU nations.
Amidst ongoing tensions, Lavrov called into question the validity of these threats, reflecting on statements made by US officials. He emphasized a necessity for constructive dialogue without resorting to provocation and condemned Western policies that delay recognition of Palestinian statehood, implying ulterior motives behind the timing of such recognitions.
His statements come in the context of increasing military operations and accusations involving drone incursions into NATO territories, asserting that the perception of Russian aggression was unfounded. Lavrov's remarks were aimed at de-escalating tensions while simultaneously emphasizing Russia's commitment to defend its sovereignty against external threats.
With a reported death toll exceeding 65,926 from Israeli airstrikes according to the Hamas-run health ministry, Lavrov criticized Israeli military actions in the region, stating they threatened to blow up existing tensions in the Middle East. He remarked on Israel's justification for military operations in its bid to defeat Hamas in Gaza.
Lavrov accused Western nations of sabotaging international diplomacy, specifically regarding Iran, claiming an effort led by Russia and China to delay the reimposition of sanctions had been thwarted. He reiterated that any perceived aggression towards Russia would be met with robust responses, urging that Russia has never had and does not have such intentions of attacking NATO or EU nations.
Amidst ongoing tensions, Lavrov called into question the validity of these threats, reflecting on statements made by US officials. He emphasized a necessity for constructive dialogue without resorting to provocation and condemned Western policies that delay recognition of Palestinian statehood, implying ulterior motives behind the timing of such recognitions.
His statements come in the context of increasing military operations and accusations involving drone incursions into NATO territories, asserting that the perception of Russian aggression was unfounded. Lavrov's remarks were aimed at de-escalating tensions while simultaneously emphasizing Russia's commitment to defend its sovereignty against external threats.
