Lavrov declares Germany drone accusations mark start of 'real war' with Russia
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Germany's accusations over a drone found at Leipzig airport effectively signal the start of a real war with Russia. The two countries have exchanged diplomatic countermeasures this week.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, speaking with Kremlin correspondent Pavel Zarubin, declared that Germany's response to a drone discovered at Leipzig airport amounts to the beginning of an actual war. He argued that Germany labeled the drone Russian without any real investigation, expelled Russia's consulate staff from Bonn, and terminated the agreement allowing the Russian House to operate in Berlin. Lavrov drew a comparison to Nazi Germany's closure of diplomatic missions before World War II, repeating his claim that Western countries again 'want war.'
Background of the dispute
On Tuesday, the German government formally accused Russia of attempting sabotage at Leipzig airport, where multiple explosive-laden drones were found in August. The first was discovered on August 4 near a Ukrainian An-124 cargo aircraft, and police used a robot to neutralize the explosives. A second drone reportedly may have collided with a DHL logistics company aircraft nearby, and a third explosive-equipped drone was later found as well.
German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said the incident matches Russia's known pattern of hybrid operations, while Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned that Russia would 'pay' for the sabotage attempt. Among Germany's countermeasures is the closure of Russia's general consulate in Bonn, which had become Russia's largest such mission worldwide in recent years.
Possible Latvian connection
A man holding a Latvian passport, reportedly with ties to Russian intelligence services and who has lived permanently in Russia for several years, is linked to the incident. Latvia's State Security Service confirmed it is providing support to German partner agencies investigating this Latvian citizen's possible involvement in organizing the sabotage.
In response to Germany's measures, Lavrov had already announced the closure of Goethe Institute branches in Russia, and reports suggest Moscow now also intends to close Germany's consulate in St. Petersburg.
