Germany Says Russia Was Behind Leipzig Airport Drone Incident

Germany has accused Russia of directing an attempted attack on Leipzig/Halle Airport with an explosive-laden drone, saying the incident fits a wider campaign of hybrid operations across Europe.

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Taken together, police investigations, patterns of the offences and intelligence findings establish Russian responsibility for the attempted attack at Leipzig Airport.

Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said police work, the pattern of the offences and intelligence findings together established Russian responsibility. He said the people involved in the Aug. 4 incident were acting on behalf of Russian state agencies.

Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said Germany did not regard Leipzig as an isolated case. In response, Berlin plans to close Russia’s consulate general in Bonn and terminate its agreement with the Russian House cultural centre in Berlin. Germany also intends to press the European Union for additional sanctions listings and travel restrictions on Russian nationals, while increasing pressure on Russia’s “shadow fleet.”

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It fits into a broader pattern of Russian hybrid operations in Europe.

Russia’s Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Moscow would respond to what she called Berlin’s “anti-Russian action,” Interfax reported, without providing details. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said she would discuss the attempted attack with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and that EU foreign ministers would prepare a response.

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We are united in our resolve to stand against Russian aggression. We will deter anyone who seeks to undermine our freedom and security.

Von der Leyen said the European Union was united in opposing Russian aggression and preparing additional sanctions. Rutte welcomed Germany’s measures and said NATO stood in full solidarity with Germany. Finnish President Alexander Stubb likewise expressed solidarity, saying Russia’s efforts to intimidate European countries and weaken support for Ukraine would not succeed.

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NATO stands in full solidarity with Germany after the Russian hybrid attack in Leipzig on 4 August.