Lavrov accuses Germany of Nazism, rejects drone attack claims

Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov accused Germany of seeking another war and dismissed Berlin's allegation that Moscow orchestrated an attempted drone attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport, calling the escalation "the start of a real war." Germany had accused Russia of the August 4 incident, where an explosive-laden drone was found near a Ukrainian cargo aircraft, and announced measures including closing Russia's consulate in Bonn and a cultural centre in Berlin. Berlin linked the drone to Russian hybrid operations. Lavrov compared the situation to the period before World War II, accused Germany of Nazism, and referenced chancellor Friedrich Merz's military ambitions. Moscow rejected the accusations as baseless, further straining ties between the two countries.