The Russian government has expressed concern over recent comments by former U.S. President Donald Trump hinting at potential American military involvement in Nigeria.
At a press briefing in Moscow on Friday, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Russia is “closely monitoring developments” and called on “all parties to adhere strictly to international legal standards.”
Zakharova’s statement followed a question from Turkey’s Anadolu News Agency regarding Trump’s remarks earlier this month.
On November 1, Trump claimed he had instructed the Pentagon to prepare “options for possible military action” against terrorist groups in Nigeria — a move he said was intended to protect Christian communities in the country.
Reiterating Moscow’s stance, Zakharova urged Washington to act responsibly and in line with international law, warning against actions that could destabilize the region.
In a Truth Social post, Trump asserted that Christianity in Nigeria faces an “existential threat” from radical Islamist militants, declaring Nigeria a “country of particular concern.”
“Thousands of Christians are being killed. Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter,” Trump wrote, vowing that the United States “cannot stand by while such atrocities occur.”
He also called on members of Congress — including Congressman Barry Moore, Chairman Tom Cole, and the House Appropriations Committee — to investigate the matter and report back to him.
The Nigerian government, in response, rejected Trump’s assertions. President Bola Tinubu reaffirmed that Nigeria remains committed to religious tolerance and the protection of all faiths under its constitution.
