Moscow, Russia – Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated on Sunday that Western accusations alleging Moscow’s involvement in the Leipzig airport drone incident represent the “beginning of a real war,” rejecting what he described as unfounded claims aimed against Russia.
Lavrov Attacks Western Accusations
Russian news agency TASS quoted Lavrov as saying that German statements regarding the reinforcement of Berlin’s military capabilities are shifting into practical steps, referencing statements by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz about making Germany Europe’s leading military power once again. Lavrov added that Merz’s announcements are “being implemented on the ground,” arguing that the German Chancellor is practically declaring war on Russia.
Berlin Holds Moscow Responsible
The German government announced on September 1 that its assessments indicate Russian responsibility for an attempted drone attack targeting Leipzig-Halle Airport last month. In response, German measures included closing a Russian consulate and a Russian cultural center in Berlin, a move that deepened tensions between the two nations while Moscow maintained its rejection of the claims.
Moscow Rejects Allegations
Russia dismissed the accusations, characterizing them as baseless and accusing Berlin of fabricating evidence to implicate Moscow in the incident. Lavrov’s remarks come amid rising frictions between Russia and Germany following the drone event, as the dispute transitions from exchanging allegations to retaliatory diplomatic actions, adding a new friction point to the confrontation between Moscow and European powers.
