Russia's foreign minister Sergei Lavrov asserts that his country has no intention of attacking EU or NATO member states. He issued this statement while warning of a decisive response to any acts of aggression against Moscow. Lavrov's remarks were delivered during a speech at the UN General Assembly, where he noted that threats from Western nations toward Russia are becoming increasingly prevalent.

Lavrov also criticized Israeli military actions in the Palestinian territory, stating that while Russia condemned the October 7 attacks by Hamas, there exists no justification for the subsequent killings of Palestinians in Gaza or plans to annex the West Bank. He accused Israel of escalating tensions in the Middle East and warned that this could blow up the region.

The foreign minister highlighted the death toll from Israeli strikes, which has reportedly reached over 65,000, while reiterating the denouncement of Western powers' roles in exacerbating the conflict. Furthermore, Lavrov accused Western nations of undermining diplomatic efforts concerning Iran, particularly following the reinstatement of sanctions.

Lavrov's speech also addressed growing tensions with NATO, dismissing accusations aimed at Russia for supposedly preparing an attack against the alliance. He expressed that President Vladimir Putin has consistently refuted these provocations and emphasized that any hostility towards Russia would provoke a strong retaliatory measure.

In the backdrop of rising military activity in Europe, Lavrov indicated that Finland and Sweden joining NATO would not change Russia's approach, as Moscow continues to seek pragmatic diplomatic relationships with the current US administration. He voiced criticism over the timing of recognition of Palestinian statehood by several Western countries, suggesting they aimed to delay until no one remained to acknowledge it.