Internal Security: Explosive Drone in Leipzig: Russia Sees "Provocation"

After the discovery of a drone equipped with explosives at Halle/Leipzig Airport, the Russian Embassy in Berlin described the incident as a provocation directed against Moscow. "It is obvious that this hastily cobbled-together provocation serves exclusively the goals of Kyiv and the militaristic wing of the European political class," the diplomatic representation of Russia said on Telegram.

At the same time, the embassy warned of a "new wave of anti-Russian hysteria in Germany". According to the embassy, it sees Ukraine behind the hybrid attack, which is short of weapons. Ukraine and the governments in Europe need arguments to continue "to let unlimited financial resources flow into the hands of a corrupt regime," it said in the statement, referring to the incident at Halle/Leipzig Airport on Wednesday.

The case of the drone with a non-intact fuse discovered by a bus driver is being presented as a hybrid attack in order to whip up sentiment against Moscow in the media, the Russian Embassy criticized. As in previous cases, no evidence is being presented. Already now, there are politicians who are talking about an act that could trigger a war against Germany and NATO and about the need for countermeasures on the part of Berlin.

Embassy: No hybrid attacks by Moscow "We would like to add that the greatest danger for Germany today does not lie in the much-vaunted 'hybrid attacks' by Moscow - which do not exist at all - but in the politicians who enthusiastically draw up scenarios for a soon war against Russia and suggest to German citizens that they participate in it," the embassy said.

Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) only spoke of a "hybrid" attack by "foreign powers" - and did not hold Russia responsible. Other politicians and experts, however, see Moscow's hand at work. The Federal Prosecutor's Office is investigating on suspicion of attempted causing of an explosion and dangerous interference with air traffic, the Karlsruhe authority announced.

At Leipzig/Halle Airport, a drone equipped with explosives and a fuse had been discovered late on Wednesday evening near Ukrainian transport aircraft and brought down by an employee. A short time later, a plane that took off as a result of the blockade collided with an unknown smaller flying object, possibly a second drone.