A new scandal has erupted on the international political stage, threatening to escalate into a diplomatic storm. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has made a sensational statement that could jeopardise relations between Moscow and Berlin. Lavrov, known for his outspoken remarks and long experience in diplomacy, described Germany’s accusations against Russia as ‘the start of a real war’.
It all began with an incident that took place on 4 August 2026 at Leipzig Airport. A drone packed with explosives was discovered near a Ukrainian military transport aircraft. This incident caused a real stir amongst the German authorities. It later emerged that there was a second drone and an even larger quantity of explosives. As early as 1 September, German officials accused Russia of involvement in the incident, sparking a storm of indignation on the international stage.
Against the backdrop of these accusations, Germany decided to close the ‘Russian House’ in Berlin and the last remaining Russian Consulate-General in Bonn. These measures provoked a sharp reaction from Moscow. In an interview with the Russian publication *Vesti*, Lavrov drew parallels with historical events leading up to the start of the Second World War, when diplomatic relations were at breaking point. “They want war again,” he said with concern, pointing out that Russia would draw “the appropriate conclusions”.
Sources report that two people are suspected of planning the sabotage in Leipzig. One of them, in addition to Russian citizenship, holds a Latvian passport, whilst the other possesses documents from Belarus and Russia. This information further complicates the situation, adding an international dimension to an already convoluted conflict.
In response to Germany’s actions, Sergey Lavrov announced his intention to close all three branches of the German Goethe-Institut in Russia. This move only adds fuel to the fire and appears to mark a new chapter in the protracted diplomatic standoff between the two countries. The situation continues to unfold, and how it will be resolved remains to be seen.