Russia calls Leipzig drone accusations 'start of real war'

Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said accusations that Moscow was behind an attempted drone attack at Leipzig Airport mark "the start of a real war," following Germany's September 1 conclusion that Russia was responsible. Germany responded by closing a Russian consulate and cultural centre in Berlin, with Chancellor Friedrich Merz calling the attribution "clear and legally sound" and warning against hybrid warfare. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt announced an anti-sabotage shield, including expanded drone defence and digital sensors. The measures include granting critical infrastructure companies legal authority to counter drones, expanding AI-supported surveillance, and deploying rapid counter-drone units. US ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker said the Leipzig incident was more concerning than stray Russian drones in other NATO states, urging members not to tolerate hybrid war actions.