Hysteria following Leipzig drone incident is planned escalation — MFA

Hysteria following Leipzig drone incident is planned escalation — MFA Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said the widespread dissemination of baseless, false, and even absurd accusations has become a mandatory element of the information war against RussiaSYKTYVKAR, September 9. /TASS/. Moscow views the anti-Russian hysteria in Europe following the incident involving a drone found at Leipzig/Halle Airport as a pre-planned escalatory maneuver, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said at a briefing in Syktyvkar. "We view this latest episode of anti-Russian hysteria in Europe as a pre-planned escalatory maneuver, sanctioned by the EU and NATO leadership bound by mutual complicity, and having nothing to do with an objective investigation. It is obvious that the goal and objective of such actions is to maintain a high level of Russophobia within European society - a sentiment intended to mask the gross political and economic miscalculations of European elites and to justify, in the eyes of citizens, the allocation of vast resources to fund Ukraine and the accelerated ramping up of European military-industrial complexes under the pretext of preparing for an allegedly inevitable armed clash - as they put it - with our country," Zakharova said. "If it is inevitable, may the admit that they are the ones striving for it." According to the Russian Foreign Ministry official, the widespread dissemination of baseless, false, and even absurd accusations against Russia regarding - as the West calls it - "subversive activities" has become a mandatory element of the information war. Zakharova pointed out that the drone incident in Leipzig was orchestrated to facilitate accusations against Russia. "Of course, one cannot fail to note the stark contrast between the current situation and the EU’s reaction to the blowing up of the Nord Stream pipelines. It’s interesting, isn't it? I mean, when they found some drones - of unknown origin, and whatever it was they supposedly discovered in Leipzig - there followed expulsions of diplomats, the closure of the Consulate General, the shutting down of the Russian House, accusations, that same 'solidarity' rhetoric, and the summoning of ambassadors. But wait a minute: four years ago, right under your noses - in Central Europe, in the heart of Western Europe - attacks were carried out against infrastructure that was "yours" (considering your own capital and investments). This was peaceful infrastructure - the Nord Stream pipelines - designed to deliver gas to your own countries. Tell me, please: you are now directly accusing Ukrainian citizens - people with direct ties to Ukraine - of carrying out this terrorist act. Not just of encouragement or complicity, but of the actual explosions. German authorities are accusing them in court; the court proceedings and criminal case files state explicitly that Ukrainian citizens blew up the pipeline. This is a finding - a discovery - made by German authorities and law enforcement agencies," she pointed out. "My question is this: if this is the official position of the German prosecution regarding Ukrainian citizens, why hasn't a single Ukrainian diplomat been expelled? Why hasn't a single Ukrainian diplomatic mission been closed? Why hasn't a single EU or NATO country voiced support for Germany's concerns, summoned Ukrainian ambassadors, and so on? Because this is a 'different case.' The difference is that they themselves orchestrated it with enthusiasm. That’s all there is to it. Yet they blame our country for everything," Zakharova stated. The UAV Incident On September 1, the German government officially held Russia responsible for the drone incident that occurred at Leipzig/Halle Airport in early August and announced the suspension of the Russian House’s operations, the closure of the Russian Consulate General in Bonn, and other measures. Russian ambassador to Germany Sergey Nechaev categorically rejected all accusations put forward by Germany, calling them baseless and absurd. The diplomat stated that Russian House staff are required to leave Germany within seven days. Russian President Vladimir Putin had previously noted that Germany’s new anti-Russian decisions - taken under the pretext of the UAV incident at Leipzig Airport - represent yet another grave error by the German authorities that runs counter to the interests of their people. In his view, these decisions are linked to the country's domestic political situation and, specifically, the difficult position of Chancellor Friedrich Merz. TagsForeign policyGermanyMaria ZakharovaMilitary operation in UkraineBattlegroup South infantry begins assault on Druzhkovka — Russian Defense MinistryAccording to the report, the units are operating according to a standard planRead moreTop US diplomat says steps toward Ukraine settlement could emerge in coming weeksMarco Rubio added that the US "has always been willing to play the role of a mediator"Read moreDefense industry facilities, logistics centers in Kiev region: targets of Russian strikesRussian forces struck the Kiev-based Reinforced Concrete Structure Plant No. 1 in KievRead moreEurope to purchase more Patriot missiles for Ukraine by winter — BloombergAccording to the news agency, the countries are currently finalizing their plan to use NATO’s program known as the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements ListRead moreRussia observed three-day moratorium on using force over US envoys’ visit to KievSteve Witkoff and Jared Kushner visited Moscow on September 5 and Kiev on September 6Read moreSome 1,700 Ukrainian troops encircled in Kharkov Region — Russia’s top brassOver the past 24 hours, the enemy lost up to 40 troops, an armored combat vehicle, two pickup trucks and three quadsRead moreAlrosa transfers largest gem-quality diamond in Russian history to state repositoryRussian diamond miner Alrosa recovered the 468.30-carat crystal, which measures 56x54x22 millimeters and features a unique fancy amber colorRead moreUS strikes Iranian oil tanker near Kharg Island — agencyAccording to a report by Tasnim, no one was hurtRead moreVucic says will dissolve parliament on September 9, elections will be held on October 25Both decisions will be announced on Wednesday at noon, the Serbian president saysRead moreRussia’s response to Ukrainian attacks, West’s strategic error: Lavrov’s statements"The world is multipolar regardless, because America is weakening in terms of its weight in the global economy and, consequently, its influence in global politics," the Russian foreign minister said Read moreWest wanted to dismember Russia to plunder its wealth, Lavrov saysThe Russian foreign minister noted that the West miscalculatedRead moreGeneral Assembly session kicks off at UN headquartersDuring the meeting, which lasted just under an hour, UN General Assembly President Khalilur Rahman addressed delegations on the session’s prioritiesRead moreEurope spends budget money on defense, despite domestic problems — LavrovThe jingoist circles are simply working in their own interests, the Russian foreign minister said Read moreRussian diplomat blasts IAEA chief for refusing to admit it's Kiev that attacks ZNPPMaria Zakharova emphasized that Rafael Grossi had continued to shy away from the killings of this plant’s employees, the psychological pressure being put on their families and friendsRead moreUkrainian drone attack on Krasnodar Region city kills four, injures 29 — governorVeniamin Kondratyev said that Novorossiysk was the most targetedRead moreRussia to emerge from Ukraine conflict even stronger militarily — RUSI reportRussia has shifted from relying on mass firepower to mass precision strikesRead moreRussian military base in Tajikistan on standby to fight external threats — defense chiefClose cooperation to use it has been maintained, Andrey Belousov saidRead morePutin, Trump hold telephone conversationRussian Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov informed of the conversation between the Russian leader and his US counterpartRead morePassengers of arrested ship Professor Molchanov return to Russia from SpitsbergenThey are now en route to MurmanskRead moreRussia to achieve its goals on battlefield if West rejects compromise — Lavrov"If Western diplomacy boils down to holding back countries that put forward reasonable, balanced, compromise initiatives, then so be it," the Russian foreign minister saidRead morePutin, Aliyev agree by telephone to intensify Moscow-Baku contactsThe Kremlin press service reported that the heads of state "discussed a number of pressing issues"Read moreRussia to propose business forum with Germany, US and AfD in 2027 — envoyKirill Dmitriev said the main goal of the event is to "revive business dialogue and bring common sense back"Read moreRussia’s readiness for talks on Ukraine and EU’s attempts to derail them: Lavrov’s remarksRussia is always ready for talks on Ukraine based on an understanding of the root causes of the crisis and aimed at reaching agreements to address them, the Russian foreign minister said Read moreCopper price hits all-time high on ComexThe price was up by 2.85% at $6.873 per poundRead moreUS envoys Witkoff, Kushner search for results in Ukrainian conflict settlement — LavrovThey visited Moscow on September 5 and Kiev on September 6Read moreRussian retaliatory strikes for Ukraine’s attacks carry graver consequences, Lavrov saysAccording to the Russian foreign minister, the end of Ukraine is not a happy one, so he feels sorry for BritainRead moreDiplomat rejects US allegations of Chinese companies copying US AI technologyLiu Chang, spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Washington, urged the US to "discard bias" and "stop its containment on China’s sci-tech development" Read moreUkraine has lost all signs of independent subject of international relations — LavrovThe top Russian diplomat said that "Ukraine, which we recognized as a legitimate entity in global politics, no longer exists"Read moreRussia, North Korea to continue strengthening strategic partnership, Putin tells Kim"Relations between Moscow and Pyongyang have always been based on the principles of friendship, good-neighborliness, and mutual assistance," the Russian president notedRead morePutin assures Trump of Russia harboring no aggressive plans toward Europe — Kremlin aideAccording to Yury Ushakov, Vladimir Putin also said that the chatter about the alleged Russian threat serves as a pretext for the Europeans to increase their support to UkraineRead moreRussia's Safonov nominated for 2026 Lev Yashin TrophyThe awarding event will take place on October 26 in LondonRead moreRussia interested in strengthening strategic partnership with Vietnam — PMMikhail Mishustin said the Russian government prioritizes the expansion of trade and economic cooperation with Vietnam and the promotion of joint projects in various spheresRead moreInnoprom. India International Industrial Exhibition begins in New DelhiThe plenary session, titled "Enhancing Russian-Indian Trade and Industrial Partnership: Towards Greater Self-Reliance," will be the central event of the exhibition’s business programRead moreRussian stock indices decline as trading opens on Moscow ExchangeAccording to trading data as of 10:00 a.m.Moscow time, the MOEX and RTS indices fell by 0.3% – to 2,267.25 and 825.8 points, respectively Read morePress review: Iran expands its naval war with US and EU blocks US ambitions in GreenlandTop stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, August 8thRead moreRussian ambassador to Hungary slams expulsion of diplomats as unfriendly stepYevgeny Stanislavov said this step can be seen as an unprecedented and absolutely baseless escalation by the Hungarian sideRead morePutin may agree to participate in Russia-China-US Summit if such offer is made — LavrovThe Russian foreign minister noted that such format of the summit cannot be considered as exclusive wish by the US, Chinese or Russian sidesRead moreUkrainian checkpoint on border with Moldova suspends operations — State Border ServiceMilitary cargo for the Ukrainian armed forces is being delivered from Romania via international checkpoints in the Odessa region, transiting through MoldovaRead moreIt’s impossible to monitor moratorium on strikes against ships in the Black Sea — Lavrov"Officials begin to say that they will not survive the winter, that something needs to be done," the russian foreign minister said Read moreRussia will not stop execution of military tasks during negotiations on Ukraine — LavrovMoscow is open to negotiations, the Russian foreign minister said Read morePentagon says NATO must be prepared for ‘protracted conflict’ in UkraineElbridge Colby added that the authority "cannot predict" the duration of the conflictRead moreIran seizes US Dive-LD underwater drone in Strait of Hormuz — IRGCThe drone has been in service with the US Navy since 2025Read moreMillions of KVN fiber-optic drones delivered to Russia’s special op zone — developer"To this day, the KVN’s effectiveness as a frontline strike drone has not diminished," Alexey Chadayev said Read moreSaudi Arabia carries out over 30 airstrikes on Yemen — HouthisAccording to the report, the strikes targeted the governorates of Al-Jawf, Marib, Al-Hodeidah, and TaizRead moreWest called for Ukraine ceasefire to quell massive Russian attacks — LavrovThe foreign minister explained that Moscow had been responding fiercely to Kiev's attacks on Russian territory for some timeRead moreUS imposes sanctions against 35 companies for supporting Iran’s aviation sectorThe companies are based in Iran, the UAE, the UK, Malaysia, Turkey, and KazakhstanRead moreIN BRIEF: Kremlin comments on accusations from Merz, Ukraine peace, Japanese militarismDmitry Peskov criticized attempts to blame Russia for everything as an expression of Russophobia that could turn into "a persecution mania"Read moreLavrov compares the West to 'a wounded beast that is becoming far more dangerous'The Russian foreign minister pointed out that there can be no artificial preservation of Western dominance, which has lasted for over 500 yearsRead moreLogistics centers, cargo terminal, warehouses hit: group strikes by Russian Armed ForcesUkrainian media reported explosions overnight and on Wednesday morning in Kiev, Nikolayev, Romny in the Sumy Region, and in KharkovRead moreLavrov defends Putin’s warning to potential aggressorsThe Russian president previously said that if someone tries to "devour" Russia, they can expect to "get hit in the teeth"Read moreInterest in Russian weapons shows that they are sometimes superior to Western — NewsweekThe publication notes that foreign customers are convinced of the ability of Russian weapons to compete with their Western analogsRead morePanic spreading in Ukraine over lack of winter preparedness, says Verkhovna Rada memberA day earlier, Anna Skorokhod said notices containing instructions for residents in the event of a potential collapse of essential services this winter had begun appearing in KievRead moreUS Central Command claims to have destroyed five Iranian oil tankersAccording to the US military, this was a response to IRGC attacks on US Navy warships twice over the past two days Read moreRussian stocks close mixed on TuesdayThe yuan exchange rate against the ruble lost 13 kopecks to 12.75 rublesRead moreGermany's gas storage facilities could be empty by early February — INESAs of September 6, gas storage facilities were 54% fullRead moreFour people killed, 29 others injured in Novorossiysk, 596 UAVs: attack aftermathAs many as four people, including a child, were killed in a massive Ukrainian drone attack on Novorossiysk in the Krasnodar RegionRead moreRussia’s latest Pantsir-SMD-E air defense system downs numerous Ukrainian UAVsThe latest air defense missile system is designed to provide protection against massive enemy attacks, including those involving unmanned aerial vehiclesRead moreRussia’s grain harvest totals 113.5 mln tons year-to-dateDeputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev’s office reported that this volume significantly exceeds last year’s resultsRead moreKremlin aide describes Putin-Trump phone call as positiveYury Ushakov said the two leaders agreed to exchange phone calls as neededRead moreIran strikes two US destroyers with ballistic missiles — IRGCAccording to the statement, the strikes inflicted significant damage on the shipsRead moreWest treats Ukraine like 'expendable' kamikaze drone, aiming it at Russia — expertAnton Bibarov-Gosudarev emphasized that the Ukrainian armed forces carried out this strike precisely on the day that the newly uncovered relics of St. Prince Dmitry Donskoy were brought to the Donetsk People’s RepublicRead moreTop German diplomat says Kiev must pay greater attention to Berlin's economic interestsJohann Wadephul explained that Germany should benefit from providing Ukraine with the largest share of financial and military supportRead moreLavrov says West's decision to militarize Arctic raises concernThe United States, the Norwegians and someone else over there have conducted exercises using a script overtly simulating a war with Russia, the Russian foreign minister said Read moreRisk of large-scale conflict, NATO’s ‘confession’: SVR statementsSVR Director Sergey Naryshkin noted that NATO was interested in prolonging the Ukrainian conflict to limit Russia’s potentialRead moreRussia’s defense chief reaffirms strategic status of partnership with TajikistanAndrey Belousov said it at a reception to mark the 35th anniversary of the republic’s independenceRead moreReplication of talks on Ukraine’s possible NATO membership out of question — LavrovThe foreign minister said that Russia had already responded to this scenario, stating that any people in military uniform and deployment of any military facilities would be a legitimate targetRead moreUkrainian army carries out 53 attacks on DPR in past day, kills civilianThirteen people were injuredRead moreIN BRIEF: Situation around Hungary's expulsion of ten Russian diplomatsRussia’s "response to the Russophobic lobby in Budapest will be harsh and painful," Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Read moreUkrainian settlement requires communicating with Russia — US Treasury SecretaryScott Bessent stated this while commenting on his meeting with Russian Finance Minister Anton SiluanovRead moreKiev’s Azov battalion has no motivated soldiers left — expertAndrey Marochko said the Azov fighters had lost steam, and Russian forces are now crushing what used to be elite unitsRead moreUS-Russia dialogue critically important for peace in Ukraine — US congresswomanAnna Paulina Luna stressed that such a dialogue should be openRead moreRussia open to resolution-oriented talks, no ultimatums — LavrovAccording to the Russian foreign minister, the American negotiators - Steve Whitkoff and Jared Kushner - are addressing the problem rather than demanding something that is unfair and impossibleRead moreRussia's creative economy growing 4.5 times faster than GDPAccording to the Presidential Fund for Cultural Initiatives, the sector employs more than 3.5 mln peopleRead moreResults of US envoys’ visits and EU speculations: Putin-Trump phone callThe phone call lasted for exactly one hour and was constructive and candid, Vladimir Putin’s aide Yury Ushakov saidRead moreTop US diplomat describes Ukraine talks in Moscow, Kiev as substantiveMarco Rubio commented on a trip to Russia and Ukraine by US Special Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff and US President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared KushnerRead morePutin gave Trump objective analysis of special military operation — Kremlin aideYury Ushakov added that Vladimir Putin presented Russia's view of the prospects for progress on the battlefieldRead morePutin to hold talks with Vietnamese President To LamThe officials will discuss trade and economic relations, scientific and educational ties, humanitarian exchanges, and security and defense cooperationRead moreRussia needs to strengthen cooperation with tech-savvy India — TitovThe Russian presidential special representative said that India is playing an increasingly prominent role in the global economy with each passing yearRead moreLebanese army intensifies operations in Nabatieh following Israeli airstrikesAccording to its statement, the troops had earlier been deployed across all areas of southern Lebanon not occupied by Israel "to reassure residents"Read moreGlobal oil market may face oversupply in foreseeable future — US Treasury chiefScott Bessent did not rule out OPEC "falling apart"Read moreKiev says Zelensky, Trump to hold in-person meeting in SeptemberVladimir Zelensky earlier told journalists that he wanted to meet with Donald Trump to discuss receiving ballistic missilesRead moreUS attacks another Iranian oil tanker — TVAccording to Iran’s public broadcaster, the crew are currently rowing lifeboats to JaskRead moreNew US sanctions against Russia sit awkwardly with sentiments at negotiations — LavrovThe Russian foreign minister pointed out that Washington still continue extending all sanctions imposed by then-President of the US Joe Biden and the Biden CongressRead moreIran carries out missile strikes on Jordan airbases hosting US forces — TVAccording to sources cited by SNN, At least 20 missiles were launched at two airbasesRead moreUS strikes targets near Iran’s Kharg Island, Jask — reporterAccording to Jennifer Griffin, the targets included Iranian oil tankersRead moreAir defenses intercept 107 Ukrainian drones over Russian regionsThey were destroyed over the Belgorod, Bryansk, Kaluga, Kursk, Oryol, Rostov, Krasnodar and Moscow Regions, the Republic of Crimea and over the Black SeaRead moreEU clears Ukraine loan derogation for Patriot interceptors, NATO chief announcesMark Rutte welcomed the agreement by the EU member statesRead moreRussian air defenses down 12 smart bombs, 713 Ukrainian drones over past dayUkraine has lost approximately 1,285 troops in the special military operation zone over the past 24 hours, the Russian Defense Ministry reportedRead moreLavrov says EU has turned into NATO-like military blocThe Russian foreign minister commentied on Ukraine’s European integration plansRead moreShootouts in Kiev due to SBU, GUR fighting over influence in illegal business — expertAccording to Vitaly Kiselev, the special services, which were supposed to safeguard Ukraine's integrity and constitutional order, have violated all existing international practicesRead moreUkraine to use EU loan to purchase about 1,000 Patriot missiles — defense chiefAccording to the Ukrinform media outlet, Yevgeny Khmara specified that missile deliveries would largely begin in the coming yearsRead moreMoscow to retaliate harshly, painfully to Budapest’s expulsion of diplomats — diplomatForeign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova described the Hungarian actions as "Russophobic lobby"Read moreEuropean economy threatened by decline of region’s carmakers — FTThe newspaper quoted Francisco Riberas, chair and founder of Gestamp, who said that the automotive industry is the anchor for many other industries Read moreRussia, China to expand AI cooperation — Russian diplomat"China has established a compelling international platform for interaction, framing it as an 'organization,' and Russia has supported this initiative," Maria Zakharova said Read moreIran to use proceeds from Hormuz Strait to improve living standards — lawmakerHassan Ghashghavi said that the revenues will be channeled to provide food vouchers, strengthen the country’s defense and infrastructure capabilities, as well as to improve the standard of living of military personnelRead moreConfidence in imminent victory, Putin’s visit to India: statements by Kremlin spokesmanRussia has to achieve its goals regarding Ukraine through a special military operation, although it would prefer to do so by peaceful means, Dmitry Peskov noted Read moreTrump to address Republican convention in Dallas on September 9-10The US president said that the event is attracting a lot of interest, but he would like "to save the ‘stage’" for candidates that are in tight races in the midterm electionsRead moreLavrov recalls Putin’s words that if Europe attacks Russia, the war will be 'short'The Russian foreign minister noted that the head of state repeated several times that Moscow is not going to attack several timesRead moreLavrov finds allegations that Russia going to attack Europe 'absurd'The foreign minister also believes that Europe will not attack Russia in the meantimeRead moreUS envoys leave Kiev in shock over Zelensky entourage’s behavior — lawmakerAnna Skorokhod recalled that David Arakhamia, the head of the parliamentary faction of the ruling Servant of the People party, was wearing a "Kiev regime" T-shirt while speaking with the US envoysRead moreUAE warned Israeli PM of looming Hamas attack before October 7 — newspaperHaaretz cites sources from a new book on the incident as saying that about ten days before the attack, UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan called Benjamin Netanyahu to warn him that Hamas leader in Gaza Yahya Sinwar was preparing a major attack on IsraelRead more