Germany blames Russia for airport drone incident, hits back with sanctions

Germany accused Russia of a recent attempted hybrid attack involving an explosive drone at a key airport, prompting the nation to impose diplomatic sanctions. The European Union wholeheartedly backed Germany's stance, while NATO vowed to defend its members. Germany's Foreign Minister announced the closure of Russia's consulate in Bonn and the cancellation of the Russian House cultural center in Berlin.

Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt confirmed that low-level Russian agents were behind the Leipzig incident on August 4, likening it to other hybrid actions against Ukraine. EU chief Ursula von der Leyen and NATO chief Mark Rutte expressed solidarity with Germany, while French President Emmanuel Macron and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez pledged support for additional EU sanctions against Russia.

Sweden summoned its Russian ambassador following the attack, citing shared concerns. The Russian ambassador to Berlin rejected Germany's accusations as unsubstantiated, warning of consequences. Chancellor Friedrich Merz previously warned the perpetrators would "pay for them," without naming a target. The incident, which found a drone with explosives near Ukraine's cargo aircraft, raised concerns about Germany's vulnerability to hybrid warfare.