Russian Foreign Minister Warns of Decisive Response to NATO Aggression Amid Rising Tensions with US

United States:

Russia's Foreign Minister delivered a stern warning on Saturday at the UN General Assembly, indicating that Moscow would respond decisively to any aggression, following US President Donald Trump's endorsement of shooting down Russian aircraft that violate NATO airspace.

"Russia is being accused of almost planning to attack the North Atlantic alliance and the European Union countries," Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated during his address to the UN General Assembly.

"Russia has never had and does not have any such intentions. However, any aggression against my country will be met with a decisive response," he emphasized.

Several NATO member states have reported violations of their airspace by Russian fighter jets and drones in recent weeks, suggesting that Moscow is testing the alliance's boundaries and responses.

When questioned on Tuesday about whether NATO countries should shoot down Russian aircraft that breach their airspace, President Trump affirmed, "Yes, I do."

Previously, Trump had highlighted his cordial relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin and extended an invitation last month for talks in Alaska, which would have ended the Russian leader's isolation from Western powers following his authorization of the Ukraine invasion in 2022.

However, Trump has since expressed dissatisfaction with Putin and suggested that Ukraine should reclaim all territories seized by Russia or even cross into Russian territory.

Despite these tensions, Lavrov notably praised the Trump administration, which has yet to implement previously threatened new economic sanctions against Russia.

"In the approaches of the current US administration, we see a desire not only to contribute to ways to realistically resolve the Ukrainian crisis, but also a desire to develop pragmatic cooperation without adopting an ideological stance," Lavrov remarked.