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Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov denounced German accusations that Moscow was behind an attempted drone attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport, calling the claims the 'start of a real war.' The German government had said last week it held Russia responsible for the incident. In retaliation, Russia's Foreign Ministry announced it is withdrawing consent for Germany's consulate general in St. Petersburg to operate, giving diplomats and staff until September 18 to cease operations and leave the country, and also ordering the closure of Goethe-Institut cultural branches in Russia. Moscow described the measures as a direct response to Germany's actions following the Leipzig incident, marking a further deterioration in Russian-German relations.