Russia has stated that it is “closely monitoring” developments in Nigeria after US President Donald Trump suggested the possibility of American military intervention in the country to protect Christian communities from terrorist attacks.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova made the announcement on Friday during a press briefing in Moscow while responding to a question from Anadolu Agency.
“We are closely monitoring this issue and call on all parties involved to strictly comply with international legal norms,” Zakharova said.
Trump had on November 1 directed the Pentagon to prepare options for potential US military action in Nigeria, a remark that has sparked mixed reactions globally. Russia’s public statement is the first from Moscow addressing Trump’s comments, signaling concern over a potential unilateral US intervention in a sovereign African nation, which could escalate geopolitical tensions.
Zakharova also addressed other international issues, including Kazakhstan’s recent decision to join the US-brokered Abraham Accords with Israel, noting that Moscow currently saw “no need to comment” on the matter.
Additionally, the Russian Foreign Ministry expressed “grave concern” over what it described as increasing Israeli violations of ceasefire agreements along the Lebanese border, warning that renewed clashes could trigger further violence in the region.
“Moscow continues to engage with both Israeli and Lebanese parties, emphasizing the necessity to prevent any steps that could lead to renewed violence,” Zakharova said. “We convey our firm stance on avoiding actions that may escalate conflict, and we will continue working with regional and global partners to promote stability in Lebanon and the broader Middle East.”
