Lavrov warns of “decisive response” to any aggression against Russia amid NATO tensions

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told the U.N. on Saturday that any aggression against Russia would be met with a “decisive response,” as recent airspace incidents involving NATO and EU states elevate tensions along the alliance’s eastern flank.

Lavrov’s remarks came against the backdrop of renewed airspace incidents. Estonia accused Russia of sending fighter jets into its airspace, while NATO warplanes recently shot down Russian drones over Poland. 

Addressing the UN General Assembly, Lavrov insisted that Russia does not aim to attack NATO or the EU, but warned of firm retaliation against any violation of Russian airspace. “If there are attempts to down any flying object… in our airspace, then I think people will very much regret undertaking such an egregious violation,” he said. 

He took aim at German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and other Western leaders, accusing them of adopting “militaristic rhetoric” and fanning fears of a looming Third World War. Lavrov said only the “politically blind” would expect Ukraine to restore its pre-2022 borders. 

Despite the rhetoric, Lavrov left the door open to diplomacy, calling for “frank dialogue” with the United States. He noted that U.S. and Russian officials will soon meet to discuss embassy operations, a sign efforts at engagement continue even amid escalating tensions.

On the wider geopolitics front, Lavrov also warned of U.S. military presence near Venezuela. Without naming countries, he raised the possibility that a draft U.N. resolution on Haiti could be used as pretext for intervention in Venezuelan affairs. 

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