Germany blames Russia for attempted drone attack at Leipzig airport
Moscow has been widely accused by Western officials of running a campaign of sabotage and disruption across Europe with the aim of undermining support for Ukraine and destabilizing European nations.
The German government has concluded that Russia was responsible for an attempted drone attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport on August 4th. According to German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt, the attack involved an explosive-laden drone. The incident is part of a broader pattern of Russian hybrid operations in Europe, said German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul.
In response to the attack, Germany will shut down a Russian consulate, specifically the consulate general in Bonn, and terminate its agreement with the Russian House cultural center in Berlin. Additional measures include adding individuals to EU sanctions lists, tightening entry checks for Russian nationals, and increasing pressure on Russia's so-called shadow fleet. The Russian ambassador was summoned to be briefed on the measures.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated that Moscow would respond to what she called Berlin's "anti-Russian action". NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte and EU chief Ursula von der Leyen have expressed full solidarity with Berlin in response to the incident.
Brief written by urgent.news from CBC News, Jerusalem Post, The Berlin Spectator, France 24, Ajel English — 5 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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