Diplomatic scandal reaches boiling point as Lavrov says Germany is declaring war

A dispute over an explosive-laden drone near Leipzig/Halle airport has escalated into a diplomatic confrontation, with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov saying Germany’s accusations signal the start of a real war.

“Merz’s statements about turning Germany into Europe’s leading military power are being put into practice. He is, in fact, declaring war on us,” Lavrov said, referring to German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. His comments were reported by Russia’s state-run TASS news agency.

The German government said on Sept. 1 that it had information implicating Russia in an attempted drone attack at the airport the previous month. Berlin cited intelligence, explosives found on the aircraft and the way the drone had been assembled. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said its construction, components and explosive matched methods previously associated with Russian hybrid operations.

The drone was found on Aug. 4 near Ukrainian cargo aircraft. Germany views the case as particularly sensitive because Leipzig/Halle is a major European freight hub. Ukrainian Antonov aircraft operate there, and the airport has long handled oversized cargo, including military equipment used in international operations.

Germany has responded with measures including the closure of consulates and a Russian cultural center in Berlin. Moscow has rejected the accusations as unfounded and accused Berlin of planting evidence to blame Russia. German authorities have placed the incident within a broader concern over alleged Russian hybrid activity and attempted sabotage targeting critical infrastructure in Europe.

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All these statements by Merz about turning Germany into Europe’s leading military power are being put into practice. He is, in fact, declaring war on us.