Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov commented on Bulgaria’s statements that the Russians were involved in the explosions at weapons depots. “It’s also good that we haven’t killed Archduke Ferdinand yet, but, apparently, it is heading for this,” the head of the Foreign Ministry said.
In February 1902, the Austro-Hungarian Duke Franz Ferdinand paid an official visit to St. Petersburg to thank Nicholas II, who bestowed upon him the rank of General of the Imperial Russian Cavalry. It is believed that the Archduke had a negative attitude towards Russia, but was not a supporter of a direct conflict with this country or even a war with Serbia, which could also lead to a direct confrontation with Russia.
The assassination of Franz Ferdinand was the pretext for the outbreak of the First World War.