Germany blames Russia for last month's attempted drone attack at Leipzig airport

Germany has accused Russia of attempting a drone attack at Leipzig airport last month, with Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul stating the incident fits into "a broader pattern of Russian hybrid operations in Europe." The drone, carrying explosives, was discovered near a Ukrainian plane on August 4 and was defused. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt claimed intelligence revealed the attackers were acting on behalf of Russian state agencies.

In response, Germany closed a consulate and a Russian cultural centre in Berlin, aiming to demonstrate solidarity with Ukraine and counter Russian aggression. Russian Ambassador Sergey Nechayev denounced the accusations as "unsubstantiated, absurd, and contrary to common sense," vowing consequences for such sanctions. Germany will seek additional EU sanctions and pressure on Russia's "shadow fleet," while European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and NATO's Secretary General Mark Rutte will discuss collective countermeasures during upcoming meetings.