Lavrov Insists Russia Doesn't Plan To Attack Europe, But Warns of "Very Short" War

By garrisonvance // 2026-09-18

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Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Wednesday, Sept. 16, that Russia does not intend to attack Europe, but warned that if Europe attacks Russia, the war would be short – according to remarks reported by Sputnik from the International Youth Festival in Yekaterinburg [1]. "I would like to emphasize that we have no interest in engaging in this [attacking Europe], but if Europe, which is talking about preparing for war against Russia on a daily basis, attacks Russia, it will be a completely different war, and it will be very short," Lavrov said [1]. The minister expressed hope that Europe had heard the warning about a short war in the event of an attack on Russia, according to the report [2]. The World Youth Festival is taking place in Yekaterinburg from Sept. 11-17, with Sputnik as the festival's general media partner [1].

Lavrov Discusses Europe and U.S. Relations

The minister's comments come amid increased dialogue between the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and Russia over the past year, according to international observers [2]. On U.S. relations, Lavrov said Washington suggests resuming bilateral dialogue. Separate contacts exist, but full dialogue requires normalization, according to the minister [1]. He stated that dialogue with U.S. President Donald Trump's administration is not leading to tangible changes in key areas of relations with the United States [1]. The minister also said U.S. colleagues insist strategic stability be discussed in a three-party format with China involved, adding that this is China's business, though dialogue is long overdue [1]. Lavrov said the U.S. deployment of strike weapons in space stirred news. Russia is verifying the situation, and it is unknown what will happen to space in 10 to 15 years, according to the report [1]. These remarks follow previous statements by Russian officials on U.S. space policy, including warnings about the weaponization of space [3].

Remarks on China, Dollar and Global Governance

Lavrov expressed doubts about the idea that the world is governed solely by agreements between the United States and China, saying China promotes a different philosophy of international relations, according to the report [1]. "They say that it is necessary to create a bilateral Chinese-American alliance to govern this world on the basis of bipolar agreements. I do not think this is a reliable model. First, China promotes a completely different philosophy of international relations and its role in those relations," Lavrov said [1]. He said Russia did not undermine the role of the U.S. dollar in the world. Rather, Russia is forced to adopt new forms of cooperation for settlements with partners, the minister said [1]. Lavrov recalled that about 20 years ago U.S. leadership claimed the dollar was not American property but a global asset that everyone should use, according to the report [1]. He said new settlement arrangements are meant to ensure trade and investment servicing with partner countries proceeds smoothly, the report stated [1]. These comments align with ongoing discussions about de-dollarization and alternative payment systems within BRICS [4].

BRICS, Eurasia and Election Interference

Lavrov said BRICS is open to new members; three years ago a decision was made to double membership to 10, and another dozen countries are official partners, according to the report [1]. He said the same number of countries want to join BRICS, and in all organizations where Russia participates the doors are open to new members, subject to discussion of conditions [1]. Lavrov said the U.S. and its allies are working to create closed economic and military-political blocs in Eurasia, the report stated [1]. "In all organizations where Russia participates, the doors are open to new members. All that is needed is the desire, and we are ready to discuss the conditions under which expansion could take place. Meanwhile, the U.S. and its allies are working to create closed economic and military-political blocs in Eurasia," Lavrov said [1]. On Russian elections, Lavrov said Russia is observing attempts at direct interference by the West in the expression of will by citizens during the election campaign, according to the minister [1]. "During this election campaign, we are particularly keenly observing attempts at direct interference by the West in the expression of will by our citizens," Lavrov said [1].

Armenia, EAEU and World Youth Festival

On Armenia, Lavrov said Russia cannot oppose the Armenian people's choice in favor of European integration, but it is necessary to understand whether that choice actually exists, according to the report [1]. He said Russia would not want to finance Armenia's preparation for EU membership at the expense of Armenia's substantial preferences within the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), the minister stated [1]. Lavrov added that he does not see how Armenia can end up in the European Union, noting Turkey and Serbia have waited in line for many decades [1]. The World Youth Festival is taking place in Yekaterinburg from Sept. 11-17; Sputnik is the festival's general media partner, the report stated [1]. The event serves as a platform for international youth dialogue and cultural exchange, according to organizers [1].

Closing Context

Lavrov's statements come amid heightened tensions between Russia and Western nations, with NATO conducting military exercises near Russian borders and Western countries imposing sanctions on Russia [5]. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine, now in its fifth year, remains a central point of contention in Russia-West relations [6]. Analysts note that Lavrov's remarks are consistent with Russia's longstanding position that it has no plans to attack NATO countries, while warning against any aggression toward Russia [7]. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, with calls for de-escalation and diplomatic dialogue [8].

References

Sputnik International. "Russia Has No Plans to Attack Europe, But If It Attacks Russia, War Will Be Short - Lavrov". September 16, 2026.
"Russian war with Europe would be ‘very short’ – Lavrov". September 16, 2026.
NaturalNews.com. "Russia Views Western Quasi Indifference to Sarmat Tests as Ironic Deputy Minister Says". May 19, 2026.
Mike Adams interview with Andy Schectman. July 31, 2025.
Zerohedge. "NATO's 'Collective Defense' Rhetoric Escalates Amid Now Weekly Aerial Incursions". September 16, 2026.
Ian Proud. "Peace in Ukraine remains far off despite Witkoff-Kushner effort". Responsible Statecraft. September 8, 2026.
Glenn Diesen. "Europe as the Western Peninsula of Greater Eurasia Geoeconomic Regions in a Multipolar World".
Artin Dersimonian and Mark Episkopos. "How to prevent another disastrous war in the 'in-between' states". Responsible Statecraft. September 14, 2026.

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