Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that Russia has no plans to attack any part of Europe but is prepared to respond militarily if attacked. He made the remarks in an interview with broadcaster NTV, according to TASS. Lavrov emphasized that Russia has no reason to launch an assault on Europe but would deliver a full military response if European nations decided to act on threats of war against Russia.

In late December 2025, during his year-end press conference, President Vladimir Putin said Moscow is not at war with the West, though Western countries are fighting Russia through Ukraine. Putin reiterated that Russia never sought conflict with Europe but warned that if Europe initiated war, there should be no doubt about Russia’s readiness to retaliate immediately.

The statements from both Lavrov and Putin appear aimed at reinforcing Russia’s stance that it seeks no confrontation with Europe while signaling readiness to respond decisively to any aggression.