Drone Carrying Explosives at Leipzig Airport: Germany to Close Russian House and Bonn Consulate

Germany responded to the drone incident at Leipzig/Halle Airport by blaming Russia and announcing a series of measures aimed at countering what it called Russian threats.

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Germany remains safe, and Germany is defending itself against adversaries who want to spread insecurity.

Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said Russia’s consulate general in Bonn would close from Sept. 18. Germany would also terminate the agreement governing Russian House in Berlin, tighten entry controls for Russian citizens and increase pressure on Russia’s shadow fleet.

At a joint news conference with Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt, Wadephul said Germany would seek stronger European defenses against hybrid attacks. Berlin plans to propose new European Union listings of people linked to such attacks and will continue pushing for unity within NATO and the EU. It also intends to strengthen Germany’s own defense capabilities.

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The attempted attack in Leipzig fits into a long series of attempts at destabilization, disinformation and threats.

Wadephul said civilian and military support for Ukraine would continue. He ordered Russia’s ambassador to be summoned so the measures could be communicated to Moscow “in an appropriate manner.” Reuters reported that the ambassador had already been seen at the Foreign Ministry.

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Russia’s government is confronting Germany with open hostility.

Wadephul said the attempted attack in Leipzig formed part of “a long series of attempts at destabilization, disinformation and threats.” He accused Russia’s government of treating Germany with “open hostility,” while saying confrontation was not in Berlin’s interest. Dobrindt described the wider situation in similar terms: “We are not at war, but we are the daily target of hybrid warfare.”

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We are not at war, but we are the daily target of hybrid warfare.