Lavrov Calls Western Accusations Over Leipzig Drone Incident 'Start of Real War'

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov called Western accusations of Moscow's involvement in a drone incident at Leipzig airport "the start of a real war," according to state news agency TASS. Lavrov linked the accusations to German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's stated goal of making Germany Europe's leading military power, saying Merz is "in effect, declaring war on us." Germany concluded on Sept. 1 that Russia was responsible for the attempted drone attack and responded by closing a Russian consulate and cultural center in Berlin. Russia dismissed the German findings as baseless, accusing Berlin of planting evidence to frame Moscow. The incident adds to heightened tensions between Russia and Western nations.