Germany’s decision to hold Russia responsible after a drone incident near Leipzig Airport triggered a sharp reaction from Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Lavrov described the accusations directed at Russia as “the beginning of a real war.”
In a statement on Sunday, Lavrov said no investigation had been conducted into who owned the drone. Calling such an approach unacceptable, Lavrov said, “They want war again.”
Russia reacts to diplomatic measures
On Tuesday, Germany formally held Russia responsible for the incident near Leipzig Airport, where Ukrainian cargo aircraft were present. The German government later announced comprehensive sanctions against Moscow.
Lavrov also criticized Germany’s decision to close the Russian Consulate General in Bonn and the Russian House in Berlin, comparing the move to diplomatic developments before World War II. Lavrov argued that the lessons of history had not been learned.
Measures announced by Germany
Under the decisions, the Russian Consulate General in Bonn was to be closed by September 18, the 2011 Germany-Russia agreement on cultural centers was to be terminated, and the Russian House in Berlin was to be closed.
Berlin also asked Russian diplomatic personnel in Russia, along with their families, to leave the country as soon as possible.
Lavrov described German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s stated goal of building the European Union’s strongest army as “a dangerous development.” Saying that the Russian leadership would draw conclusions based on these statements, Lavrov argued that Merz’s stance amounted to a declaration of war on Russia.