Lavrov Hits Back at Germany Over Leipzig Drone Accusations

Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has sharply rejected German accusations that Moscow was behind a drone incident at Leipzig/Halle Airport, warning that the confrontation could mark the beginning of a “real war” between Russia and Germany.

The dispute follows a failed drone attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport last month. German authorities concluded that Russia was responsible for the incident and subsequently announced a series of measures against Moscow, including the closure of a Russian consulate and a Russian cultural centre in Germany.

Lavrov Accuses Berlin of Escalation

Speaking on Sunday, Lavrov dismissed the German allegations as baseless and accused Berlin of attempting to portray Russia as responsible for the incident without sufficient evidence.

He also directly criticised German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, arguing that Germany’s plans to strengthen its military capabilities represented a dangerous development.

According to Reuters, Lavrov said that the accusations against Moscow were “by and large, the start of a real war” and claimed that Merz was effectively declaring war on Russia.

Germany Blames Russia

Berlin has taken a very different position. The German government said on September 1 that its investigation had concluded that Russia was responsible for the attempted drone attack.

German officials described the incident as part of a broader pattern of Russian hybrid activity in Europe. Berlin also summoned the Russian ambassador and announced diplomatic measures in response.

The drone was discovered near a Ukrainian cargo aircraft at Leipzig/Halle Airport. German authorities said it was carrying an explosive device, although the device failed to detonate. Two additional drones were subsequently discovered in the area.

Relations Between Moscow and Berlin Deteriorate

The dispute has added another layer of tension to already strained relations between Russia and Germany.

Moscow has rejected Berlin’s conclusions and accused Germany of fabricating or manipulating evidence in order to blame Russia. Russia has also announced retaliatory measures, including plans to close branches of Germany’s Goethe-Institut.

At the same time, Germany is preparing additional measures to strengthen protection against drone attacks and other forms of sabotage targeting critical infrastructure.

Growing Concern Across Europe

The Leipzig incident has intensified European concerns over so-called hybrid warfare, including sabotage, cyberattacks, espionage and drone operations.

For now, there is no indication that Germany and Russia are moving toward a direct military confrontation. However, Lavrov’s unusually strong rhetoric demonstrates just how seriously Moscow views Berlin’s accusations and the subsequent German response.

The dispute over the Leipzig drone incident has therefore become more than a disagreement over a single attack — it has become another major flashpoint in the increasingly tense relationship between Russia and Germany.