Lavrov Says Germany's Actions Mark 'Beginning of a Real War'

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said recent developments in Russia-Germany relations mark "the beginning of a real war," responding defiantly to Berlin's accusations against Moscow. Lavrov cited Germany's expulsion of Russia's consulate from Bonn and the closure of the Russian House in Berlin, comparing the actions to events before World War II. He also claimed German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is "declaring war" on Russia and that "metastases of Nazism" are emerging. On September 1, Germany officially accused Russia of orchestrating a drone attack on a Ukrainian aircraft at Leipzig airport. Berlin is reportedly preparing a large-scale retaliation plan against Russia, with media revealing Ukraine's role in it.