Lavrov told reporters, “If German Chancellor Friedrich Merz believes there are no more peaceful options, he has probably decided to surrender completely to militarization at the expense of his people, only to once again march under Nazi slogans with the pretext of repelling threats from Russia.”

The Russian foreign minister added, in response to questions from accredited press after the Russia-ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) meeting, that this is “complete nonsense” and expressed the hope that any sensible politician would understand.

The diplomat stated that if Europe chooses to return to militarization, Russia will fully consider this in all areas of its planning.

Merz affirmed on Thursday that diplomatic means have failed in resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and Berlin will continue to support Kiev.

Russia has been conducting a special military operation in Ukraine since February 24, 2022, to protect the population from “Ukrainian genocide,” according to President Vladimir Putin.

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