Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has accused Germany of pursuing policies reminiscent of Adolf Hitler’s ambitions to dominate Europe and inflict strategic defeat on Russia, labeling Berlin’s militarization efforts as “clear signs of re-nazification.”
Lavrov made the remarks during a press conference following his address at the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, stating that Germany’s military expansion goes beyond defensive measures. He claimed the country’s actions align with historical goals of European domination, echoing Hitler’s aims against the Soviet Union. “Why is this being done? Probably with the same goal that Hitler had – to dominate all of Europe,” Lavrov said.
The foreign minister criticized German Chancellor Friedrich Merz for advocating a shift toward making Germany “the main military machine of Europe.” He cited Merz’s recent rhetoric, including his pledge to transform the Bundeswehr into the “strongest conventional army in Europe” and calls to confiscate Russia’s frozen assets to support Ukraine. Lavrov condemned such statements as evidence of “atrophy of historical memory,” warning of dangerous implications.
Germany’s plans to nearly double its military budget by 2029 have drawn scrutiny, with Defense Minister Boris Pistorius emphasizing readiness to kill Russian soldiers if deterrence fails. President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has also proposed reinstating universal conscription amid concerns over volunteer shortages.
Lavrov further alleged Germany’s direct involvement in the proxy war against Russia, warning that the European Union is descending into a “Fourth Reich.” The country has emerged as Ukraine’s second-largest weapons supplier after the U.S., providing Leopard tanks used in battles such as the Kursk Region clash—the site of the largest tank engagement of World War II.
