Russia has broken its silence over President Donald Trump’s threat to launch military action in Nigeria, warning Washington to “respect international law” as tensions flare across continents.
Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, Maria Zakharova, told reporters in Moscow on Friday that the Kremlin is “closely monitoring the situation” and urged all sides to act responsibly.
“We are closely monitoring this issue and call on all parties involved to strictly comply with international legal norms,” Zakharova said during her weekly briefing.
Trump had announced on November 1 that he directed the Pentagon to prepare for possible military operations in Nigeria, claiming the move was to protect Christians from terrorist attacks.
The statement sparked diplomatic unease around the world, with Moscow now stepping in to caution against any unilateral U.S. military adventure in Africa.
While fielding another question on Kazakhstan’s decision to join the Abraham Accords, Zakharova said Russia “sees no need to comment for now.”
Kazakhstan confirmed its participation on Friday, a day after President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev informed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of the move — in a call that reportedly took place in Trump’s presence.
Shifting focus to the Middle East, Zakharova voiced concern over reports of Israeli ceasefire violations along the Lebanese border, warning that renewed violence could trigger wider regional instability.
“We convey to all parties involved our firm stance on the need to avoid actions that may trigger an escalation of violence and another round of armed conflict,” she said.
Zakharova reaffirmed that Russia will continue working with regional and international partners to preserve peace and stability in Lebanon and across the broader Middle East.
