Germany Blames Russia for Leipzig Drone Attack

The German government said on Tuesday that it had concluded Russia was responsible for an attempted drone attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport last month and announced a series of measures against Moscow in response.

According to German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt, police investigations, the methods used in the attack and intelligence findings established Russian responsibility. He added that those involved had acted on behalf of Russian state agencies.

Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul described the incident as part of a broader pattern of Russian hybrid operations in Europe rather than an isolated event.

Germany will close Russia's consulate general in Bonn and terminate its agreement with the Russian House cultural center in Berlin. It will also push for additional EU sanctions and travel restrictions on Russian nationals while increasing pressure on Russia's shadow fleet.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said she would discuss the attack with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on Wednesday, while EU foreign ministers would prepare a joint response.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova responded that Moscow would retaliate against what she called Berlin's “anti-Russian action”. She did not elaborate.

(Reuters, bak)