Lavrov says Germany ‘wants war again’ as he attacks Berlin’s military ambitions
Russia’s foreign minister compared Germany’s current course to the period before the Great Patriotic War, claiming Berlin is moving to become Europe’s leading military power and accusing German leaders of seeking war. The remarks escalate Moscow’s criticism of German defense plans and political rhetoric.
Russia’s foreign minister has sharply escalated his criticism of Germany, accusing Berlin of seeking war and tying its present military ambitions to the lead‑up to the Great Patriotic War.
Commenting on German policy, Sergey Lavrov recalled that before the start of that war “the Germans also closed their diplomatic missions,” adding that “they want war again.” He linked current German actions, including the closure of diplomatic missions, to what he cast as a historical pattern.
Lavrov focused in particular on German politician Friedrich Merz and his stated goal of making Germany the leading military power in Europe. According to Lavrov, this goal is being implemented in practice. He argued that Merz is essentially declaring war on Russia and said that the lessons of history have not been learned.
The statement underscores how Moscow is framing Germany’s evolving defense posture and political debate. Berlin has increased its involvement in European security discussions and support for Ukraine, while some German politicians advocate a stronger military role in Europe’s defense.
Lavrov’s remarks are aimed at the political narrative surrounding these changes rather than at specific troop movements or weapons systems. By invoking the closure of diplomatic missions and the memory of the Great Patriotic War, he presents German steps on diplomacy and defense as part of a broader confrontation.
For audiences in Germany and across Europe, the language heightens attention to choices on military spending and posture. It also signals that Russia intends to portray German rearmament efforts, and statements by figures such as Merz, as openly hostile.
What will matter next are concrete policies in Berlin and Moscow: how German leaders pursue or adjust plans for a larger military role, what additional diplomatic steps either side takes, and whether there are further changes in Russia’s public messaging about Germany’s intentions.
Sources
- OSINT