Kathrine Frich
The Russian foreign minister also targeted German Chancellor Friedrich Merz directly.
When diplomatic relations break down between major global powers, words often get sharper before any physical conflict escalates.
Accusations can fly quickly across borders when suspicious security threats surface. Now, a recent dispute over airport security has pushed tensions between two European giants to a dangerous breaking point.
Deepening global rift
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has issued a severe warning to Berlin following a high-stakes espionage dispute. Relations between the two nations fell to fresh lows after German officials pointed fingers at Moscow over a foiled sabotage attempt at a major transport hub.
Addressing Germany’s formal accusations, Lavrov completely rejected claims that Russia masterminded an attempted explosive-drone strike at Leipzig/Halle Airport. He went on to describe Berlin’s diplomatic and security crackdown as “by and large, the start of a real war,” according to Reuters cited by United24Media.
The Russian foreign minister also targeted German Chancellor Friedrich Merz directly. Lavrov accused the leadership in Berlin of actively pursuing a rapid militarization campaign aimed straight at Moscow.
“Merz is, in essence, declaring war on us,” Lavrov said during his remarks on the escalating standoff.
Airport drone threat
The fierce rhetorical battle follows an investigation into an incident from early August. German authorities discovered an explosive-equipped drone inside a secured zone at Leipzig/Halle Airport, positioned dangerously close to Ukrainian cargo aircraft.
Bomb disposal specialists successfully defused the device before any detonation occurred. Investigators later determined that as many as three drones may have been deployed as part of the covert operation.
On September 1, the German government formally concluded that Moscow was behind the attempted strike. Officials cited intelligence findings along with the specific construction of the drones, explosives, and detonation systems as clear evidence of Russian involvement.
Moscow vehemently denies any role in the operation and claims Germany fabricated evidence to frame the Kremlin.
Tighter security measures
In response to the foiled plot, Berlin took swift action against Russian presence in the country. The German government ordered the immediate shutdown of Russia’s Consulate General in Bonn alongside the Russian House cultural center in Berlin.
German authorities also imposed strict new entry controls on Russian citizens entering the country and moved to restrict Russian-linked activities.
The incident has forced Germany to bolster its domestic defenses against hybrid warfare. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt announced plans to deploy specialized federal police units to protect critical infrastructure, including airports, railway stations, and government facilities.
Sources: Reuters, United24 Media
