Jerzy Haszczyński: Germany has not confronted Russia this sharply in years, but Putin may benefit

Germany has not delivered such a forceful blow against Russia in a long time, Jerzy Haszczyński writes. The government announced retaliation for an August drone operation just before important elections.

German authorities accused Russia of attempting to carry out an attack at Leipzig airport. The decision marked an unusually sharp response toward Moscow, according to the commentary.

But the government’s account has not convinced the opposition. The AfD is not alone in doubting Russia’s responsibility, and that skepticism gives the dispute an immediate domestic political edge.

Haszczyński argues that Vladimir Putin may ultimately benefit from the German response, despite its harsh tone. The commentary presents the government’s action as both a major confrontation with Russia and a move whose timing and disputed attribution could work to Moscow’s advantage.