Russia Not Going to Attack Europe, But Will Retaliate If Attacked, Says Lavrov

The war between Russia and Ukraine is heading into its fourth year, and negotiations to end the conflict are being brokered by Washington.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov delivers a speech during a meeting of the leadership of the Russia-Islamic World Strategic Vision Group with ambassadors of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation member states in Moscow on April 21, 2025. Maxim Shipenkov/Pool/Reuters

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Feb. 8 that Moscow is not interested in launching a military assault on Europe, but will retaliate if European forces attack the Russian Federation.

“We have no intention of attacking Europe; we have absolutely no need for that,” Lavrov said in an interview aired on the NTV television channel.