Moscow, May 28, 2025 – Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has voiced serious concerns over Germany’s recent intentions to build the "strongest" army in Europe. Speaking at a security conference in Moscow, Lavrov recalled the devastating impact of Germany’s military dominance during the two World Wars of the 20th century, describing the current buildup plan as "very worrying."
Since the end of World War II, Germany has maintained a cautious approach to military expansion, largely relying on the United States for collective security within NATO. However, the security landscape in Europe has shifted significantly following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
In response, Germany has increased its military presence abroad, including stationing a 5,000-strong armored brigade in Lithuania. This deployment marks Berlin’s first permanent military presence outside its borders since World War II, signaling a notable shift in Germany's defense policy.
Lavrov emphasized that many observers immediately recalled the early 20th-century periods when Germany’s military buildup led to large-scale conflicts with catastrophic consequences. The Kremlin frequently references the Soviet Union’s sacrifices during the fight against Nazi Germany to rally domestic and international support for its current military actions in Ukraine.
Despite previous cooperative relations between Moscow and Berlin before 2022, Germany has now emerged as one of Kyiv’s staunchest allies. German political leaders, including Finance Minister Friedrich Merz, have committed substantial financial support to the country’s underfunded defense forces, underlining Berlin’s determination to strengthen its military capabilities and support for Ukraine.
This development underscores a significant transformation in European security dynamics, as Germany takes a more assertive role amid ongoing tensions with Russia.
