Germany Plans Anti-Sabotage Shield; Russia Dismisses Drone Attack Blame

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated Germany wants war again, dismissing Berlin’s accusation that Russia was responsible for a drone attack on Leipzig airport last month.

Lavrov accused Germany of Nazism and linked current events to the period before World War II, saying, "This is, by and large, the start of a real war." He also referenced German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's comments on German defense, claiming Merz is, in effect, declaring war on them. The German government formally blamed Moscow for the attempted hybrid attack involving an explosive-laden drone at Leipzig/Halle Airport on August 4.

In response, Moscow and Berlin closed each other’s cultural centers this week, and EU countries summoned Russian envoys. Germany's consulate general in Bonn is set to close by September 18. Following these events, Germany is planning a broad package of measures to strengthen its defenses against drone attacks, cyber intrusions, and other forms of Russian sabotage.

Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt stated that Russia’s hybrid attacks have become a daily reality and will intensify. The plan includes expanding police mobile drone defense capabilities with rapidly deployable counter-drone units in nine strategically important cities to protect critical transport hubs and government districts. It also grants legal authority to companies operating critical infrastructure to actively fend off drones and establishes a national cyberdome network of digital sensors to intercept hacking attempts.