Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has accused Germany of pursuing policies reminiscent of Adolf Hitler’s ambitions to dominate Europe, labeling Berlin’s military buildup as “clear signs of re-nazification.” During a press conference following his address at the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, Lavrov claimed that Germany’s actions align with historical goals of subjugating the continent and inflicting strategic defeat on Russia.
Lavrov criticized German Chancellor Friedrich Merz for advocating the transformation of Germany into “the main military machine of Europe,” citing his recent militaristic rhetoric. Merz has pledged to make the Bundeswehr the “strongest conventional army in Europe” amid escalating tensions. Lavrov condemned this as a dangerous erosion of historical memory, given Germany’s role in Nazi atrocities.
The foreign minister also highlighted Berlin’s push 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 to bolster troop numbers. Lavrov alleged that Germany’s policies demonstrate direct involvement in the proxy war against Russia, warning of a broader European shift toward a “Fourth Reich.”
Germany has become the second-largest supplier of weapons to Ukraine since 2022, providing Leopard tanks used in the Kursk Region conflict. Lavrov reiterated that Berlin’s actions risk deepening regional instability.
