Germany accuses Russia of drone attack on Leipzig airport

The German government has accused Russia of attempting a drone attack on Leipzig/Halle Airport in eastern Germany last month. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt stated that the attack, which involved a drone equipped with explosives, is consistent with a pattern of "Russian hybrid operations". Authorities believe the drone was found and defused near a Ukrainian plane at the airport on August 4.

This incident comes at a time when several European nations providing support to Ukraine against Russia's invasion have reported an increase in sabotage attacks and incidents attributed to Russia. Dobrindt emphasized that the attack is part of a broader pattern of Russian operations in Europe. In response, Germany has summoned the Russian ambassador and closed its consulate general in Bonn and Russian House cultural center in Berlin.

Germany will also seek additional sanctions and travel restrictions on Russian nationals and put pressure on Russia's "shadow fleet". The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded to Germany's announcement, threatening a "counteraction" to what it called "anti-Russian action". European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that the EU is united in its resolve to oppose Russian aggression and is preparing additional sanctions against Moscow.