Germany Announces Measures Against Russia Over Leipzig Airport Drone Incident

Germany is responding to what it calls a Russian hybrid attack involving drones at Leipzig Airport by closing a Russian consulate and expanding pressure on Moscow.

Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said Russia’s leadership was treating Germany with “blatant hostility” during a joint news conference with Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt. He said Berlin wanted Russia’s war against Ukraine to end, peace to return to Europe and constructive relations with Moscow to become possible again.

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blatant hostility

Instead, Wadephul said, Russia had chosen to worsen already strained ties. “On the contrary, with the attempted attack in Leipzig, Russia’s leadership has instead made a conscious decision to inflict further significant damage on our bilateral relations, which are already under tremendous strain,” he said.

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On the contrary, with the attempted attack in Leipzig, Russia’s leadership has instead made a conscious decision to inflict further significant damage on our bilateral relations, which are already under tremendous strain.

Germany will close the Russian Consulate General in Bonn from September 18 and terminate the lease for the Russian House in Berlin. Berlin also plans to propose new European Union sanctions against Russian individuals linked to hybrid attacks, tighten immigration controls for Russian nationals, increase pressure on Russia’s so-called shadow fleet and take additional intelligence measures.

The government has ordered Russia’s ambassador to be summoned and notified of Berlin’s position. Wadephul said Germany would continue working with NATO and EU partners to strengthen collective security and deterrence, while maintaining civilian and military support for Ukraine. “We will not allow ourselves to be divided in our social cohesion or be intimidated by Russia’s attacks,” he said.

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We will not allow ourselves to be divided in our social cohesion or be intimidated by Russia’s attacks.