Lavrov calls alleged Leipzig drone attack accusations ‘start of real war’

MOSCOW: Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has described allegations linking Russia to an alleged drone attack attempt at Germany’s Leipzig Airport as the beginning of a “real war,” accusing Berlin of effectively declaring war on Moscow.

In an interview with a Russian news agency, Lavrov questioned the basis of Germany’s accusations, saying that no proper effort had apparently been made to establish who owned or operated the drone.

“Nobody even bothered to investigate whose drone it was. This is essentially the beginning of a real war,” Lavrov said.

The Russian foreign minister also criticised Germany’s decision to close the Russian consulate in Bonn and the Russian House in Berlin. Referring to the period preceding World War II, he claimed that German authorities had also closed diplomatic missions before the outbreak of that conflict.

“This kind of game is completely unacceptable. They want another war,” Lavrov said.

Lavrov also described German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s stated ambition to build Europe’s strongest military as a dangerous development. He said Russia’s leadership would draw the “appropriate conclusions” from the latest developments.

The remarks come amid escalating tensions between Moscow and Berlin following an alleged drone incident at Leipzig Airport.

On August 4, a drone was reportedly discovered inside the airport’s security zone. According to the allegations, the drone was equipped with what appeared to be explosive material and was found near a Ukrainian cargo aircraft involved in transporting military supplies to Ukraine.

Germany formally accused Russia on September 1 of being responsible for the alleged failed drone attack attempt and announced a broad package of measures against Moscow.

The measures included the closure of the Russian consulate in Bonn and the Russian cultural centre in Berlin. Germany also ordered Russian diplomatic staff stationed in the country, along with their family members, to leave Russia as soon as possible.

The incident has further intensified already strained relations between Germany and Russia, with Moscow rejecting Berlin’s accusations and warning against what it sees as a dangerous escalation.