Lavrov Calls Russian Attack on Europe ‘Nonsense,’ Warns War Would Be ‘Short’ as Putin Targets Baltics

Live updates

1. 2h ago

   Lavrov Warns of 'Short' War as Putin Targets Baltics

   Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov declared that any war resulting from a European attack would be short and dismissed fears of a Russian invasion of Europe as nonsense, while accusing European governments of preparing for a confrontation. Lavrov warned that European warnings regarding a possible conflict risk becoming a self-fulfilling prophecy. Meanwhile, President Vladimir Putin claimed that the rights of Russian speakers are being violated in the Baltic states, though he maintained that Moscow is not preparing for war with Europe and cited a humanitarian response over the Baltics.

   Why it matters

   The exchange underscores rising tensions between Moscow and European capitals as Russian officials accuse Western leaders of escalating rhetoric. Putin's focus on the Baltic states follows a pattern of grievances raised by the Kremlin regarding Russian-speaking minorities in neighboring nations. European leaders have concurrently urged continued pressure on Russian revenues at the United Nations General Assembly.

   What is confirmed

   • Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov claimed that any conflict resulting from a European attack would be short and dismissed Russian attack plans against Europe as nonsense.
   • Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated that European calls to prepare for a possible war could become a self-fulfilling prophecy.
   • President Vladimir Putin claimed that the rights of Russian speakers are being violated in the Baltic states.
   • President Vladimir Putin stated that Russia is not preparing for war with Europe.
   • Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged world leaders at the UN General Assembly to keep choking Russia's revenues.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Russian state media and officials have reportedly discussed that Russia needs the fear of Europe regarding a potential war.

   What to watch next

   • Any further diplomatic or military developments regarding Russian minorities in the Baltic states.
   • Additional statements from European foreign ministries concerning the threat of armed confrontation with Russia.
   • Further actions by the United Nations regarding Russian revenues and war efforts.
   Sources used for this update (17)

   1. Українська правда — Putin claims rights of Russian speakers are being violated in the Baltic states but says Russia is not preparing for war in Europe
   2. UNITED24 Media — “We Need Their Fear”: What Russian Officials and State TV Are Saying About War with Europe
   3. ua.news — Putin stated that Russia is not preparing for war with Europe
   4. Kyiv Post — Lavrov Calls Russian Attack on Europe ‘Nonsense,’ Warns War Would Be ‘Short’ as Putin Targets Baltics
   5. Українська правда — European statements about war with Russia could become a "self-fulfilling prophecy" – Russian foreign ministe
   6. saba.ye — Ulyanov: Putin Dashes Hopes of Warmongers in Europe
   7. unn.ua — Putin stated that the rights of Russian speakers are being violated in the Baltic countries
   8. Українська правда — Putin claims Russian speakers' rights are violated in Baltic states but says Russia is not preparing for war
   9. EU Perspectives — Putin cites ‘humanitarian’ response over Baltics
   10. LADbible — Russia intensify WW3 fears with 'short nuclear war' warning
   11. tovima.com — Lavrov: “If Europe Attacks, The War Will Be Different And Short”
   12. www.mirror.co.uk — Russia issues chilling war threat to Europe and warns 'it will be short'
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