Lavrov toughens tone towards Germany after drone incident

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has further tightened the tone in the confrontation with the West. The accusations made against Moscow that Russia was responsible for the drone attack at Leipzig airport are "largely the beginning of a real war," Lavrov said on Sunday, according to the state news agency Tass. "All of these statements from (Chancellor Friedrich) Merz about making Germany the leading military power in Europe again - they are now being put into action. He is effectively declaring war on us."

Merz said at an event in Hanover-Langenhagen that the right consequences had now been drawn with “a very clear warning to Russia”. “Anyone who attacks us must know: We are firmly determined to defend our constitutional state, our democracy, our open society and also the integrity of our territory.”

The German government and other Western countries have long accused Russia of waging a hybrid war against them. Disinformation campaigns, attacks and murders on behalf of Russia are seen as elements. Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. Since then, Germany and other European states have been supporting Ukraine in its defensive battle.