Lavrov warns Russia is at 'start of real war' with West after German expulsions

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has warned that Russia is at "the beginning of a real war" with the West, following Germany's accusation that Moscow attacked Leipzig airport with an explosive drone. He cited German actions as evidence of escalating tensions, claiming some echoed events preceding the Second World War. Germany expelled Russia's consulate general from Bonn and closed the Russian House cultural centre in Berlin in response to the failed drone attack, discovered in early August, which is considered one of Russia's most brazen sabotage attempts in Europe. Lavrov made the remarks as US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner visited Moscow and Kyiv to revive Ukraine peace talks. Lavrov told Russian state TV that Germany's actions, including the expulsions and closures, indicate a desire for war, drawing a direct comparison to the period before 1939. The incident marks a significant escalation in tensions between Russia and Western nations.