Archive · 7 Sep 2026
Lavrov Says Russia-Ukraine War Must End Without Nazism
Sergei Lavrov said Russia’s war in Ukraine should end only when there is no more Nazism in Europe.
Russia often uses this claim when explaining why it began its military campaign.
Ukraine and Western countries say the claim is false and is being used as propaganda.
Germany also accused Russia of being behind an explosive drone found near an airport.
The drone was discovered in a secured cargo area near a Ukrainian cargo plane.
Germany called the incident a possible Russian hybrid attack.
Russia rejected Germany’s accusation.
Germany closed a Russian consulate and a Russian cultural center as diplomatic measures.
The European Union discussed whether to take additional action against Russia.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said the war must end with “no more Nazism in Europe.”
Lavrov repeated Moscow’s disputed claim that Ukraine is influenced by Nazi ideology.
Ukraine and its Western allies reject the characterization as propaganda used to justify Russia’s invasion.
Germany said Russia was responsible for an August 4 explosive-drone incident near Leipzig/Halle Airport.
Germany announced diplomatic measures against Russia, while the European Union discussed possible additional sanctions.
- Who
- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, the Russian government, Germany, Ukraine, and the European Union are central to the report.
- What
- Lavrov described an alleged end condition for the Russia-Ukraine war, while Germany accused Russia of a drone attack and announced diplomatic measures.
- When
- Lavrov made the remarks while addressing students; Germany announced its investigation’s conclusion on September 1 concerning an incident on August 4.
- Where
- Lavrov spoke at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations; the drone was found near Leipzig/Halle Airport in Germany.
- Why
- Lavrov said the war should end without Nazism in Europe, while Germany said its measures followed an alleged Russian hybrid attack.
Moscow’s Position
Ukraine and Western Position
Characterization of Ukraine
Moscow’s Position
Lavrov repeated Moscow’s claim that Nazi ideology has spread in Ukraine and Europe.
Ukraine and Western Position
Ukraine and its Western allies reject the characterization as propaganda used to justify Russia’s invasion.
Leipzig/Halle drone incident
Moscow’s Position
Lavrov rejected Germany’s allegations and accused Germany of seeking another war with Moscow.
Ukraine and Western Position
Germany said its investigation concluded that Russia was responsible and described the incident as a Russian hybrid attack.
European response
Moscow’s Position
Russia has rejected the accusations surrounding the incident.
Ukraine and Western Position
Germany announced diplomatic measures, while EU officials discussed possible additional sanctions and called the incident consistent with state-sponsored terrorism.
- Speaker
- Sergei Lavrov, Russia’s foreign minister
- Location of remarks
- Moscow State Institute of International Relations
- Stated war aim
- An end to the war with “no more Nazism in Europe”
- Drone incident date
- August 4
- German announcement
- Germany said on September 1 that Russia was responsible
- German measures
- Closure of Russia’s consulate general in Bonn and a Russian cultural centre in Berlin
- European response
- EU member states summoned Russian diplomats and discussed possible additional sanctions