Lavrov calls German drone accusations 'beginning of real war' with Berlin

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov called Germany's accusations against Moscow over a drone incident at Leipzig airport the "beginning of a real war." He made the statement in an interview with Kremlin propagandist Pavel Zarubin. Lavrov claimed German actions, including the closure of Russian diplomatic missions, signal Berlin's preparation for confrontation. He accused Chancellor Friedrich Merz of intending to declare war on Russia and alleged that "metastases of Nazism" are spreading in Europe. The remarks follow Germany's first open accusation that Russia was behind an August sabotage attempt near Leipzig-Halle airport, where three explosive-laden drones were found near a Ukrainian Antonov aircraft. Germany has announced plans to strengthen national security measures against Russian sabotage.