Leipzig drone scandal: Lavrov says Germany is waging a “real war” against Russia

Sergei Lavrov says Germany has crossed a dangerous line. Speaking to Russian television, the Russian foreign minister described Berlin’s response to the alleged drone incident at Leipzig airport as the beginning of a “real war” against Russia.

“Leipzig, airport ... They found a drone there. They said it was Russian and nobody bothered to investigate further,” Lavrov said. He also linked his accusation to Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s calls to turn Germany into Europe’s leading military power, saying Merz was effectively declaring war on Russia.

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Leipzig, airport ... They found a drone there. They said it was Russian and nobody bothered to investigate further. In essence, this is the beginning of a real war.

Germany has accused Moscow of sending an explosive-laden drone to Leipzig airport in early August. The site serves as a key military platform for the German army and NATO. German media later reported that criminal investigators had identified the DNA of two men with Russian passports who are suspected of bringing the drone to the airport.

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All these statements by Merz about turning Germany into the main military power in Europe are being put into practice. In effect, he is declaring war on us.

Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said German police investigations, the apparent method of operation and intelligence information demonstrated “Russian responsibility” for the attempted attack. Berlin has called the incident a “hybrid attack” and announced retaliatory measures, including the closure of the Russian consulate in Bonn from September 18.

The episode unfolded amid heightened security in Germany. An explosive-equipped drone was found at Leipzig airport on August 4. A second unmanned aircraft reportedly collided with a DHL cargo plane around the same period, while a third drone and explosives were found 10 days later. Russia has rejected the accusations, while Lavrov portrayed Germany’s response as a step toward open conflict.

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The police investigations, methods of operation and intelligence information demonstrate Russian responsibility in the attempted attack at Leipzig airport.