Germany Summons Russian Ambassador Over Leipzig Airport Drone Attack

Germany has summoned Russia’s ambassador after identifying what it says was Russian involvement in an attempted explosive attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport. The government says the incident formed part of a Russian hybrid attack against Germany.

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Russian involvement

Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said the operation used means previously associated with other Russian hybrid actions. So-called low-level actors carried it out in Leipzig, he said. “We are not at war, but we are the daily target of hybrid warfare,” Dobrindt said.

Investigators found the drone in the airport’s security area on the evening of Aug. 4, between Ukrainian cargo aircraft. A canister had detached from the drone and contained about half a kilogram of Semtex, according to specialists from Germany’s Federal Police.

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

The government considers the incident serious because Leipzig Airport serves as a logistics hub, including for DHL, and regularly supports military transports by the Bundeswehr and NATO. Wadephul said, “Germany is fighting back against its opponents.” He also said the government would continue decisively strengthening Ukraine.

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Germany is fighting back against its opponents

The measures announced include closing the Russian Consulate General in Bonn on Sept. 18, ending the contract with the Russian House in Berlin, tightening entry controls for Russian nationals, increasing pressure on Russia’s shadow fleet and summoning the Russian ambassador. Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who was not present at the meeting, had previously said, “The German government imposes a price on the perpetrators of hybrid attacks. They will pay for it.”

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The German government imposes a price on the perpetrators of hybrid attacks. They will pay for it.