Trump’s threat: We’re monitoring developments in Nigeria – Russia

Russia says it is closely monitoring the situation in Nigeria following the threat issued by US President Donald Trump. Exactly a week ago, Trump had declared Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern over alleged persecution of Christians. He had threatened to take some steps, including possible military intervention to save “our Cherished Christians”. Although President […]

Russia says it is closely monitoring the situation in Nigeria following the threat issued by US President Donald Trump.

Exactly a week ago, Trump had declared Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern over alleged persecution of Christians.

He had threatened to take some steps, including possible military intervention to save “our Cherished Christians”.

Although President Bola Tinubu responded by saying religious violence has no place in the country, Trump claimed that the government was turning blind eye to the killings.

He had asked the US Department of War to prepare for possible action in Nigeria, and Pete Hegseth, Secretary of War, asked the military to draft a plan for potential action in Nigeria.

At a briefing on Friday, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, Maria Zakharova, called for strict adherence to international legal norms.

She was responding to a question from Anadolu Agency.

“We are closely monitoring this issue and urge all parties involved to adhere strictly to international legal norms,” Zakharova said.

This is the first time Moscow has publicly reacted to Trump’s comments, signaling apprehension over what it sees as a potential unilateral move by Washington in a sovereign African nation.

China, an ally of Russia, had earlier rejected Trump’s action, defending Nigeria’s sovereignty.

Zakharova also addressed other global developments, including Kazakhstan’s decision to join the U.S.-brokered Abraham Accords with Israel, saying Moscow saw “no need to comment” for now.

On the Middle East, she expressed “grave concern” about what she called increasing Israeli violations of ceasefire agreements along the Lebanese border, warning that renewed clashes could trigger fresh violence.

“Moscow continues to engage with both Israeli and Lebanese sides, emphasizing the need to avoid actions that could escalate tensions or lead to renewed conflict,” Zakharova said, adding that Russia remains committed to working with regional and international partners to maintain stability in Lebanon and the wider Middle East.