Moscow: Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Sunday labeled the accusations against Russia regarding a drone incident at Germany's Leipzig Airport as 'the beginning of a real war.' In an interview with the Vesti media outlet, Lavrov emphasized that there was a lack of investigation into the origin of the drone involved.

According to Anadolu Agency, Lavrov expressed his concerns, drawing historical parallels by recalling how prior to World War II, Germany took similar diplomatic actions. He referenced Germany's recent decision to close the Russian Consulate General in Bonn and the Russian House in Berlin as reminiscent of past conflicts. Lavrov criticized these moves, stating, 'this kind of game is absolutely unacceptable,' and suggesting that such actions indicated a desire for conflict.

The Russian Foreign Minister also addressed statements made by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz regarding the aim to establish the EU's strongest army. Lavrov labeled this notion as 'a dangerous phenomenon' and warned that Russian leadership would respond appropriately. He interpreted Merz's statements as a declaration of war, lamenting that historical lessons seemed to have been ignored.

On Tuesday, Germany officially accused Russia of orchestrating the attempted drone incident at Leipzig Airport, which targeted Ukrainian cargo planes. In response, Germany announced extensive sanctions against Moscow. These measures included closing the Russian Consulate General in Bonn by September 18, terminating a 2011 German-Russian cultural agreement, and shutting down the Russian House in Berlin. Additionally, Germany instructed Russian staff and their families to vacate the country promptly.