Lavrov: Russia is “keeping its ears open” over NATO military plans

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Moscow is closely monitoring NATO’s statements about preparing for a “possible Russian attack” and will remain on alert.

The statement was made at a press conference in Moscow on Tuesday, October 6, following talks with East Timor’s Foreign Minister Leshti Bendito Freitas.

“We hear what is being said, but, as the saying goes, we are keeping our ears open,” Lavrov said.

The remarks were prompted by a Bloomberg report from October 5, according to which General Alexus Grynkewich, Supreme Allied Commander Europe, is preparing a document called the “theory of victory.” It describes how the alliance would repel a Russian attack on its eastern flank, combining conventional armed forces with drones and artificial intelligence. Grynkewich is expected to present the document in Poland on October 12. A NATO spokesperson confirmed to the Kyiv Independent that such a plan exists.

According to the draft, NATO would first halt an advance using forces deployed under the Eastern Flank Deterrence Initiative, then strike Russian command and communications systems. The document also emphasizes that NATO is a defensive alliance and must avoid unintentional provocations. Colonel Martin O’Donnell, Grynkewich’s spokesperson, stated: “NATO is a purely defensive alliance.” Alliance Secretary General Mark Rutte has said there are no signs of Russia preparing a conventional attack on the alliance, but warned that Europe needs to be ready for prolonged hybrid attacks.

Lavrov also touched on the topic of Kaliningrad, recalling the recent escalation around the Russian exclave on the Baltic. According to him, President Vladimir Putin made it clear that any attack on that region or any other part of Russia would be met with a response.

“When we made a very clear statement in response to threats by the Baltic states and other NATO members, who have completely gone off the rails, to attack the Kaliningrad region, we were immediately assured by both NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and the U.S. Permanent Representative to NATO (Matthew) Whitaker that the bloc has no plans to attack Russia — and no capability to do so either,” Lavrov said, as reported by the Anadolu Agency.

Lavrov also questioned NATO’s right to call itself a defensive alliance. According to Belarusian state media, he said the label “did not save Yugoslavia, did not save Afghanistan, did not save Libya.” He added that Moscow’s priority remains the goals Putin has set in the war in Ukraine, including ending threats from Russia’s western neighbors.

At the talks with the East Timorese foreign minister, Lavrov described the meeting as “highly productive.” He said the two sides discussed cooperation in the fields of energy, mining, fishing, and tourism, and that Russia is ready to increase energy supplies to Timor-Leste. Lavrov also welcomed the country’s plans to open an embassy in Moscow. In May 2027, the two countries will mark the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.