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🇮🇹 Italy /Conflict & Security

Berlin blames Moscow for Leipzig drone attacks as Europe and NATO vow to respond

From ANSA · () Italian

Translated from Italian and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

News Named sources Ongoing story
  • Germany said Russian actors were behind explosive drone incidents at Leipzig airport and announced measures including closing Russia’s consulate general in Bonn.
  • Russia threatened to respond to what it called anti-Russian German decisions, while EU and NATO leaders pledged support for Berlin.
  • Additional drone alerts in Latvia and Estonia, along with explosive devices found in Brandenburg, heightened concerns over a wider hybrid-security campaign.

Berlin has moved from suspicion to accusation over the explosive drones found at Leipzig airport, saying Russian actors were behind what German investigators regard as attempted attacks.

The government of Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced several retaliatory measures. Germany will close Russia’s consulate general in Bonn from September 18, terminate its contract with Berlin’s controversial Russian House, which officials regard as a spy hub, and increase pressure on Russia’s shadow fleet.

We will respond.

— Ursula von der LeyenThe European Commission president pledged a response to Russian intimidation and hybrid activity.

Moscow answered with a threat of its own. Maria Zakharova, speaking for Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, said Russia would respond to every German decision directed against Moscow. She warned of “devastating responses” to what she called “foolish anti-Russian adventures” in the Baltic.

We will respond to every anti-Russian decision by Germany.

— Maria ZakharovaThe Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman warned that Moscow would retaliate against Berlin’s measures.

The European Union and NATO quickly backed Germany. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen promised, “We will respond.” NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said Russian efforts to intimidate Europe, weaken its unity and undermine support for Ukraine would fail. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also urged governments to remain united and maintain credible deterrence to protect their citizens.

The concern now extends beyond Germany. Drones triggered alerts in Latvia overnight and entered Estonian airspace, prompting NATO fighter jets to take off. In Brandenburg, investigators found several homemade, non-conventional explosive devices that damaged a power line but caused no injuries or blackout, according to Potsdam police.

And there will be devastating responses to foolish anti-Russian adventures in the Baltic.

— Maria ZakharovaZakharova issued a direct warning over possible German or European actions in the Baltic region.

The Leipzig incidents began on August 4, when one drone was found on a taxiway near Ukrainian Antonov aircraft. A second collided with a DHL plane in flight and damaged its nose. Investigators later found a third explosive-packed drone in a neighboring state. German intelligence officials and investigators now say the incidents were attempted attacks, while Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt described Germany as a daily target of hybrid warfare.

Russia’s attempts to intimidate us, undermine our unity and weaken our will to support Ukraine are futile and will fail.

— Mark RutteThe NATO secretary general expressed alliance support for Germany.
About this summary

Originally published by ANSA in Italian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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