Germany has accused Russia of deploying a failed drone sabotage at Leipzig/Halle Airport, announcing closures of Russian diplomatic facilities in response to the attack.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul revealed that Russia’s consulate in Bonn will shut down, alongside the termination of the contract for the Russian House cultural center in Berlin. These actions follow conclusions by German authorities that Moscow orchestrated the August 4 incident.
Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt explained that forensic and intelligence evidence traced the attack to Russia. Authorities discovered a drone with an explosive device beside a Ukrainian Antonov cargo aircraft at Leipzig/Halle Airport. The explosive did not detonate due to a faulty detonator.
Germany suspects a second drone collided with a nearby cargo aircraft, attributing the incident to Russia’s pattern of hybrid operations in Europe.
Despite these claims, Russia has denied involvement. The Russian Embassy in Berlin labeled the charges as “absurd,” and Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova threatened a “mirror-image” response. The embassy condemned Berlin’s measures as escalating Russian-German relations.
Further actions announced by Germany include stringent entry restrictions on Russian nationals and measures targeting Russia’s shadow fleet. Wadephul also summoned Russia’s ambassador to Germany, Sergei Nechayev.
This announcement marks Germany’s first public assignment of blame for the airport attack. Previously, Berlin had mentioned “foreign powers” without specific identification, although U.S. reports held Russia responsible.
Leipzig/Halle Airport, one of Europe’s largest cargo hubs, serves Germany’s military and NATO allies, and is crucial for Ukrainian Antonov transport aircraft, underscoring its strategic significance.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte supported Germany’s conclusions, emphasizing alliance solidarity on social media, and commending Germany’s responsive measures.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen indicated that the European Union is preparing further sanctions against Russia. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk accused Moscow of heightening regional tensions.
Germany faces growing hybrid threats targeting crucial sectors like military and transportation infrastructure. Chancellor Friedrich Merz pledged repercussions for those responsible for hostile acts against Germany.
Separately, German police are investigating explosive devices discovered at a power substation in Brandenburg, following a temporary outage caused by damaged power lines, although perpetrators remain unidentified.
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