Russia's Lavrov calls accusations of Moscow's involvement in Leipzig drone incident 'start of real war', TASS reports

Live updates

1. 9d ago

   Russia Warns of Real War After Leipzig Airport Drone Attack

   Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov declared that accusations linking Moscow to an explosive-laden drone attack at Leipzig Airport mark the start of a real war and accused Germany of effectively declaring war on Moscow. The European Union and NATO vowed to increase pressure on Russia following the incident, with the European Union chief describing the alleged plot as bearing the hallmarks of state-sponsored terrorism. In response to the escalating threat from Russia's shadow war, Berlin is planning a protective anti-sabotage shield to defend its infrastructure.

   Why it matters

   The confrontation follows a drone incident at Germany's Leipzig/Halle Airport that has severely heightened regional tensions. Western leaders have increasingly accused Moscow of orchestrating covert sabotage operations across Europe, placing European security forces on high alert. Germany is now taking direct steps to secure its airports against similar asymmetric threats.

   What is confirmed

   • Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov called accusations of Moscow's involvement in the Leipzig drone incident the start of a real war.
   • Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov accused Germany of effectively declaring war on Moscow over the Leipzig airport drone incident.
   • The European Union and NATO vowed to step up pressure on Russia following a new escalation in Leipzig.
   • Germany is planning an anti-sabotage shield and protective measures following the airport drone attack.

   Still unconfirmed

   • An alleged Russian drone plot targeting Leipzig airport had the hallmarks of state-sponsored terrorism, according to the European Union chief.

   What to watch next

   • Implementation details and timeline for Germany's planned anti-sabotage shield.
   • Further diplomatic or economic retaliatory measures from the EU and NATO against Russia.
   Sources used for this update (10)

   1. BBC — EU and Nato vow to step up pressure on Russia after 'new escalation' in Leipzig
   2. Time Magazine — E.U. Chief Says Alleged Russian Drone Plot Had 'Hallmarks of State-Sponsored Terrorism'
   3. Fox News — Russia's shadow war is putting Europe on edge as Germany confronts a growing threat
   4. Reuters — Germany plans anti-sabotage shield after airport drone attack, Bild reports
   5. Reuters — Russia's Lavrov calls accusations of Moscow's involvement in Leipzig drone incident 'start of real war', TASS reports
   6. Euronews.com — Berlin planning 'protective shield' to defend against sabotage, report says
   7. Bloomberg.com — Lavrov Warns That Germany Is Moving Toward War With Russia
   8. www.yahoo.com — Russia's Lavrov claims start of 'real war' with Germany after Moscow accused of Leipzig Airport attack
   9. www.tbsnews.net — Lavrov calls accusations of Moscow's involvement in Leipzig drone incident 'start of real war'
   10. www.straitstimes.com — Russia’s Lavrov accuses Germany of moving towards war with it
   confidence 95%