Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has issued a strong warning to Western powers, stating that Russia will respond harshly to every hostile act against it. Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly session in New York, Lavrov also warned against attempts to shoot down aircraft traveling through Russian airspace. He further accused Germany of spreading rhetoric calling for war against Russia. Lavrov’s warnings come at a time of heightened tensions between NATO, the Western defense alliance, and Russia. Recently, Estonia, a NATO member, claimed that Russian military aircraft had entered its airspace. Poland also shot down what it said were Russian military drones that had entered its airspace.
“We will respond harshly to every hostile act against my country. NATO and EU [European Union] member states trying to convince their citizens that there is no alternative to war against Russia should have no doubt about this,” Lavrov said, warning Western powers. NATO member countries have become uneasy with allegations of Russian military aircraft and drones entering their airspace. NATO views Russia as the biggest threat to its member states since the Cold War. Moscow shares a similar perspective, considering NATO as its greatest threat.
The United States is NATO’s most powerful member. Recently, US President Donald Trump expressed support for attacking Russian military aircraft entering NATO member countries’ airspace. He also mocked Moscow, describing Russia as having made no progress in its war against Ukraine. “If anyone attempts to shoot down anything [aircraft] traveling in our airspace, it would be equivalent to an attack on our sovereign independence, and they [those who do it] will regret it,” Lavrov said, responding to Trump’s statements.
Lavrov also assured the UN General Assembly that Russia has not attempted to attack any NATO or EU country using missiles or drones. He added that no such plans exist. Lavrov also stated that liberating Ukrainian territories under Russian control would not be easy, referring to Trump’s statement suggesting Ukraine is capable of liberating these occupied territories.
Lavrov also criticized German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. He said Merz is trying to convince his country’s citizens that there is no alternative to war against Russia. He added that Merz is working to instill fear in people’s hearts by portraying the imminence of a third world war.
