Overview

• Speaking at a press conference on the margins of the UN General Debate in New York on September 27, Russia's foreign minister said modern Germany seeks to subjugate Europe like Adolf Hitler.
• He alleged a militarization and “re‑Nazification” of Germany, casting Berlin’s defense posture as directed against Russia.
• Lavrov targeted Chancellor Friedrich Merz, accusing him of escalating militaristic rhetoric and alleging he boasts of constitutional changes to restore Germany as a major military power.
• Merz has said the Bundeswehr should become conventionally the strongest army in Europe, while Berlin increased defense spending with a €100 billion special fund and reinstated voluntary conscription.
• Lavrov also accused NATO and EU politicians, as well as indirectly Ukraine, of warmongering, claiming some discuss preparations to attack Russian territory such as Kaliningrad and warning Russia would repel any strike.