Lavrov warns Europe of short nuclear war, accuses Germany of reviving ‘Fourth Reich’
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told UN reporters that Western actions could trigger a brief nuclear conflict and accused Germany of trying to re-establish a “Fourth Reich”.
At a UN press briefing, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov warned that Europe’s military buildup could spark a brief nuclear war, describing it as a possible self-fulfilling prophecy. He accused Western leaders, especially Germany, of pushing Russia toward conflict, alleging that Chancellor Friedrich Merz seeks to make Germany the dominant European military force and revive a “Fourth Reich”. Lavrov made the comments hours after meeting German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, the first such encounter since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
His statements contradict President Vladimir Putin’s claim that Russia has no intention to wage war on the continent. In parallel, Russian attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure continued, killing three people and wounding at least four in Zaporizhzhia, and causing further casualties in Sumy. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that Russian forces aim to expand the war beyond Ukraine’s borders.
Why it matters
The rhetoric raises fears of nuclear escalation and signals heightened tensions between Russia, Germany and the wider West.
How this story developed
- Sep 26 Lavrov says security threat will be removed and peace restored at UN meeting
- Sep 27 German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul held a bilateral meeting with Sergej Lavrov at the United Nations, the first such talks at this level since the conflict began.
In this story
Related stories
6 in this thread