Lavrov: Accusations Over Leipzig Drone Incident Mark "Start of Real War"
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Western accusations that Moscow was behind a drone incident at Germany's Leipzig airport effectively signal the start of a real war. Germany last week blamed Russia for the attack and announced retaliatory measures.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated on Sunday that accusations from the West blaming Moscow for a drone incident at Leipzig airport in Germany largely represent the beginning of a real war, according to state news agency TASS.
In his remarks, Lavrov referenced German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, saying that Merz's repeated statements about turning Germany into Europe's leading military power are now being put into action. Lavrov characterized this as effectively an act of war against Russia.
Germany's findings and response
On Sept. 1, the German government announced it had determined Russia was responsible for an attempted drone attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport the previous month. In response, Berlin ordered a series of measures, including shutting down a Russian consulate and a Russian cultural center in the German capital.
Russia's denial
Russia has rejected Germany's accusations as unfounded, claiming that Berlin fabricated or planted evidence to pin the incident on Moscow.
The dispute adds to ongoing tension between Russia and Germany, which has been strained for years over the war in Ukraine and related sanctions and security measures across Europe.
