• The Kremlin accuses Germany of pursuing escalation over threats of sanctions related to the unexploded drone found at Leipzig airport.
• Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov criticizes Germany for not providing evidence to support their accusations against Russia, denying any involvement with the drone incident.
• In response to Germany's punitive measures, Russia announces counter-sanctions and questions the timing of the accusations, invoking the start of World War II.

The Kremlin has accused Germany of pursuing a course of escalation following threats of sanctions over the unexploded explosive drone found at Leipzig airport.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Tuesday evening that it was difficult to comment on the accusations against Russia because Germany had provided no evidence for its allegations: "When such serious accusations are made, they should be substantiated in some way," Peskov said, according to the Russian news agency Interfax.

The close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin also accused Germany of failing to back up its allegations with arguments. "It is obvious that Germany is taking the further path of escalation," Peskov said, adding that Russia had consistently denied any involvement with the Leipzig drone.

Moscow instead pointed to Kiev, which it said was benefiting from stirring up sentiment against Russia over the hybrid attack.

German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt and Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul held Russia responsible for the drone incident and announced punitive measures earlier on Tuesday evening. Wadephul said the Russian consulate in Bonn would be closed and the contract for the Russian House cultural institute in Berlin would be terminated.

Moscow invokes start of World War II

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told dpa that Moscow would impose counter-sanctions, as in previous cases.

In a post on Telegram, Zakharova asked - with reference to the anniversary of Germany's launch of World War II - whether the government in Berlin had chosen the date by chance.

Parts of the Moscow leadership have repeatedly referred to Chancellor Friedrich Merz as "Fritz," a derogatory term for Germans.

Germany started World War II on September 1, 1939, and subsequently invaded the Soviet Union.