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

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/ReutersRussian 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.