Tensions between Germany and Russia are escalating after Berlin's decision to attribute responsibility for last month's attempted drone attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport to Moscow and impose retaliatory measures, including the closure of a Russian consulate and cultural centre.
The German government has accused Russia of being behind the attempted drone attack and announced a series of countermeasures, prompting a sharp response from Moscow.
Russian embassy rejects allegations
The Russian Embassy in Germany dismissed the accusations as:
"Unfounded", "absurd" and "contrary to common sense",
describing them as an "unprecedented escalation" in bilateral relations.
In a statement, the embassy warned that the measures adopted by the German government:
"Will not remain without consequences"
and added that Berlin would bear full responsibility for any further deterioration in relations between the two countries.
Putin calls claims a "provocation"
Russian President Vladimir Putin struck a similar tone during remarks in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, describing Germany's accusations as a:
"Staged provocation."
Putin argued that the German leadership was attempting to divert public attention from domestic problems, particularly what he described as declining support for Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
Criticism of Zelenskyy
During the same press conference, Putin also accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of acting in a manner consistent with "state terrorism."
He was referring to warnings issued by Kyiv to airlines that Ukrainian drone operations had made Russian airspace increasingly dangerous.
"You cannot negotiate with terrorists," Putin said.
At the same time, he insisted that Moscow remains open to dialogue aimed at ending the war.
"We want to end the war and achieve lasting peace throughout Ukraine and Europe. We are ready to participate in a negotiation process with anyone willing to do the same."
Assessment of the war in Ukraine
Putin reiterated his belief that Russian forces would prevail on the battlefield, claiming that during August they captured 270 square kilometres of territory in the Donetsk region and continue advancing towards Sloviansk and Kramatorsk.
He also acknowledged that Ukrainian drone attacks have inflicted significant damage inside Russia.
According to Putin, roughly 100 vessels were struck over a period of 40 days, while oil refineries and other critical infrastructure were also targeted.
The Russian president said most of the damage to energy facilities has already been repaired, although restoration work continues at approximately 10% of the affected sites.
