Germany blames Russia for explosive drone attack at Leipzig airport
Germany has blamed Russia for an attempted explosive drone attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport last month after a device was found near a Ukrainian cargo plane.
The explosive-laden drone, which was defused, had prompted a counterterrorism investigation and fears of another hybrid attack on European soil.
German interior minister Alexander Dobrindt announced on Tuesday that the German government “comes to the conclusion that Russia is responsible for the hybrid attack in Leipzig on 4 August.
“Taken together, police investigations, patterns of the offences and intelligence findings establish Russian responsibility for the attempted attack at Leipzig Airport,” he added.
Mr Dobrindt said the event corresponds with a known pattern of “Russian hybrid operations,” adding: “We assume that Germany is the target of further hybrid attacks by Russia.”
Germany’s foreign minister, Johann Wadephu, has ordered a series of measures in response, including the closure of the Russian consulate in Bonn along with the Russian House, a cultural centre in Berlin.
He said he did not believe the event was an isolated incident.
Nato secretary general Mark Rutte said Germany’s evidence “was clear”, as he welcomed the measures following a call with German chancellor Friedrich Merz.
He wrote on X: “Nato will continue to strengthen our ability to deter and defend all Allies against any threat – including malign actions like those seen in Leipzig and elsewhere across the Alliance.
“Russia’s attempts to intimidate us, to undermine our unity and our willingness to support Ukraine are futile and will fail. Our support to Ukraine is unwavering, as is our ironclad commitment to Nato’s collective defence.”
Mr Rutte is due to meet with European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen to discuss the issue on Wednesday.
Germany will now push within the European Union for additional sanctions listings and travel restrictions on Russian nationals, while increasing pressure on Russia’s “shadow fleet”.
Airport workers had discovered the drone in a restricted cargo area near the southern runway, which caused flights to be suspended and several aircraft to be diverted from the airport.
Leipzig/Halle is a major hub for international freight and for providing support to Ukraine, with Ukrainian Antonov transport aircraft regularly using the airport.
