Germany: Russia behind drone attack attempt at airport and hybrid war in Europe

Germany has directly blamed Russia for an attempted sabotage attack at Leipzig Airport, where a drone carrying explosives was found near Ukrainian cargo aircraft. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt made the accusation at a news conference in Leipzig, according to The Guardian.

“

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

The airport is known as a transport hub for weapons and ammunition bound for Ukraine. Dobrindt said the methods used in the attempted attack were familiar from other hybrid operations carried out by Russia, as well as from its war against Ukraine. He concluded on behalf of the German government that Russia was responsible for the hybrid attack in Leipzig on Aug. 4.

Dobrindt said the assessment had been discussed in detail with the government’s National Security Council and the government, including Chancellor Friedrich Merz. He also stressed that Germany and Russia were “not at war,” while saying the government recognized “a clear need for an appropriate and necessary response.”

“

not at war

Germany is demanding that Russia’s consulate in Bonn close. Reuters also reported that Russia’s ambassador in Germany had arrived at the Foreign Ministry in Berlin. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte supported Germany’s response on X.

“

The evidence is clear. And I welcome the measures Germany has announced in response.

“The evidence is clear. And I welcome the measures Germany has announced in response,” Rutte wrote. Von der Leyen said the EU would remain united despite what she called escalating and serious actions, adding that “hybrid attacks will not go unanswered.”

“

Hybrid attacks will not go unanswered.