As new tensions rise between Russia and NATO powers, Moscow’s top diplomat insisted to world leaders Saturday that his nation doesn’t intend to attack Europe but will mount a “decisive response” to any aggression. Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov spoke at the United Nations General Assembly after weeks in which unauthorized flights into NATO’s airspace — intrusions the alliance blames on Russia — have raised alarm around Europe.
“Russia has never had and does not have any such intentions,” Lavrov said, referring to claims that Moscow could attack NATO countries. “However, any aggression against my country will be met with a decisive response.”
Similar reassurances were heard before. Moscow repeatedly denied planning to invade Ukraine, but on Feb. 24, 2022, Russian forces launched air strikes and a ground assault from multiple directions — from Belarus toward Kyiv, from Crimea in the south, and from occupied Donbas toward Kharkiv.
U.S. President Donald Trump told reporters earlier this week that he believed Ukraine could reclaim all territory lost to Russia — a notable departure from earlier remarks suggesting Kyiv might have to cede land. Trump made the comments after meeting President Volodymyr Zelensky on the sidelines of the UN gathering. Zelensky later described their talks as “a good meeting.”
https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/russia-says-it-has-no-intention-attacking-europe