Moscow, February 9, 2026 – The Europe Today: Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has stated that Russia has no intention of attacking any part of Europe, but is prepared to respond decisively should European states initiate hostile actions against Moscow.
Speaking in an interview with the Itogi Nedely weekly news roundup on the NTV network, Lavrov emphasized that Russia sees no grounds for aggression against Europe. However, he warned that if European countries act on what he described as threats of preparing for war against Russia and begin military attacks, Moscow’s response would be comprehensive.
“We are not going to attack any part of Europe. We have absolutely no reason to do so,” Lavrov said. “But if Europe chooses to implement its threats and starts attacking Russia, this will not be a special military operation. It will be a full-scale military response using all available military means, in line with our doctrinal documents.”
Lavrov’s remarks echo recent statements by Russian President Vladimir Putin, who addressed the issue during his year-end press conference in late December 2025. Putin asserted that Russia is not at war with the West, arguing instead that Western countries are fighting against Russia indirectly through Ukrainian forces.
The Russian leader also reiterated that Moscow has never sought confrontation with Europe, while cautioning that any direct military action against Russia would be met with an immediate and decisive response.
The comments come amid ongoing tensions between Russia and Western nations over the conflict in Ukraine and broader security concerns in Europe.
