German government blames Russia for attempted drone attack in Leipzig and announces countermeasures

Berlin has blamed Russia for the attempted explosives-drone attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport and announced a package of measures against Moscow. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt and Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said at a news conference in Berlin that the failed attack had been carried out on Russia’s behalf.

Wadephul and Dobrindt said Germany would close the Russian consulate in Bonn, summon Russia’s ambassador and terminate the contract for the Russian House in Berlin. Germany will also tighten entry checks for Russian citizens. The government said it would press the European Union to sanction additional Russian officials.

Dobrindt said police investigations, the attack pattern and intelligence findings established Russian responsibility for the attempted attack on Aug. 4. He pointed to the drone’s configuration, components, explosives and ignition technology, saying they were known from other Russian hybrid operations and from Russia’s war against Ukraine.

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The German government therefore concludes that Russia is responsible for the hybrid attack in Leipzig on Aug. 4.

The minister described the technology found at the scene and the way the elements worked together as professional. He said the planning and execution required substantial technical expertise and organisational effort, while the final stage of the attempted attack appeared to involve low-level agents.

“Let me make this clear: We are not at war, but we are the daily target of hybrid warfare,” Dobrindt said. Moscow’s Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, citing Interfax, said Russia would respond to Germany’s “anti-Russian measures.” The article also reported that EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said many indications pointed to a connection with Russia.

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Let me make this clear: We are not at war, but we are the daily target of hybrid warfare.