Berlin blames Russia for Leipzig hybrid attack as Germany closes Russian consulate

Berlin has directly blamed Russia for what Germany calls a hybrid attack in Leipzig. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said the conclusion rested on evidence assessed by German intelligence and security bodies.

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Russia is responsible for the hybrid attack in Leipzig on August 4.

Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul announced a series of measures in response. Germany will close its consulate in Russia from Sept. 18, terminate the contract for the Russian House and tighten checks on people.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said she had spoken with Chancellor Friedrich Merz and assured him of the European Union's full solidarity. She said the EU would remain united and that hybrid attacks would receive a clear response. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte also spoke with Merz, calling the evidence unequivocal and welcoming Germany's measures.

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The German government has adopted decisive measures. And the message is clear: hybrid attacks will not remain without a clear response.

Rutte said NATO would continue strengthening its ability to deter and defend all allies against threats, including hostile actions such as those seen in Leipzig and elsewhere in the alliance. He added that Russian attempts to intimidate NATO, weaken its unity and undermine support for Ukraine would fail.

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The evidence is unequivocal. And I welcome the measures announced by Germany in response.

The report also described overnight drone alerts in the Baltic region. Drones triggered an air-raid warning in Latvia and later entered Estonian airspace. Estonian authorities issued a threat warning for several counties at 3:11 a.m., while Turkish fighter jets stationed at Amari air base were scrambled under NATO's Baltic air-policing mission.

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