Lavrov predicts NATO’s demise, criticises Merz’s military ambitions

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has questioned NATO’s long-term future while sharply criticising German Chancellor Friedrich Merz over his plans to strengthen Germany’s military capabilities, Die Welt reported.

Lavrov said NATO’s efforts to find new reasons to justify its continued existence, including expanding its influence in Southeast and Northeast Asia under the pretext of containing China, could not continue indefinitely.

“I do not think the North Atlantic Alliance will last much longer,” Die Welt quoted Lavrov as saying.

The Russian foreign minister also expressed dismay over Germany’s plans to increase its military potential. He said he was “shocked” by Merz’s intention to turn Germany into Europe’s leading military power.

By Tamilla Hasanova