Russia does not intend to attack anyone in Europe, but its response to any strike will be devastating, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Sunday, noting the EU’s “war party” has become a stumbling block in Ukraine peace efforts. Lavrov’s warning came on a day Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is scheduled to meet with US President Donald Trump at the latter's Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. After all, Russia has never taken the initiative to target its European neighbours with unfriendly actions,” Lavrov stated. He said Russia appreciates efforts by President Trump and his team to achieve a peace settlement. After Trump came to power, Europe and the European Union emerged as the main stumbling block to peace, he said.

Source: The Telegraph December 28, 2025 10:44 UTC