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.

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

Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said Berlin did not view the incident as an isolated event but as part of a broader pattern of Russian hybrid operations in Europe.

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 said Moscow would respond to what she called Berlin's “anti-Russian action”. She did not elaborate.

(Reuters, bak)