Nausėda calls Leipzig drone incident a Russian hybrid attack and pledges solidarity with Germany

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda has described the Leipzig airport incident as a Russian hybrid attack and assured Germany of Lithuania’s full solidarity. He said he had spoken with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and offered support to Lithuania’s strategic partner.

“I maintain close contact with Friedrich Merz. I assured him that Lithuania stands in full solidarity with its strategic partner Germany after Russia’s hybrid attack in Leipzig,” Nausėda wrote on X. He added that Germany’s decision to take firm measures showed that hybrid actions against any one of the countries would receive a clear response.

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I maintain close contact with Friedrich Merz. I assured him that Lithuania stands in full solidarity with its strategic partner Germany after Russia’s hybrid attack in Leipzig.

The Lithuanian president also said those who attack the countries would pay a price. He stressed that the incident would not stop support for Ukraine in its war against Russian aggression. “Our commitment to supporting Ukraine as it defends itself against Russian aggression is unwavering. We will continue our support for as long as necessary to achieve a just and lasting peace,” he said.

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Those who attack us will pay for it.

Germany’s interior and foreign ministers said information held by the authorities linked Russia to the incident at Leipzig/Halle Airport. A drone carrying explosives and a detonator was found in the security area on Aug. 4, between Ukrainian cargo aircraft. A second unidentified object later collided with a DHL cargo plane, which had to abort its landing because the runway was closed. Investigators subsequently found a third drone.

Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said the drone’s configuration and the explosives resembled those used in other Russian attacks. He attributed the operation to so-called low-level agents. Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said Germany would close the Russian General Consulate in Bonn and the Russian House in Berlin, while increasing pressure on Russia’s shadow fleet. Germany’s federal prosecutor described the incident as a serious attack on the country’s transport and logistics infrastructure.

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Our commitment to supporting Ukraine as it defends itself against Russian aggression is unwavering. We will continue our support for as long as necessary to achieve a just and lasting peace.