Germany says Russia responsible for Leipzig airport drone attack
Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said that after assessing the technology used and other intelligence information "the government concludes that Russia is responsible for the hybrid attack".
Germany has accused Russia of responsibility for an explosive-laden drone incident at Leipzig/Halle Airport last month. Putin has countered by alleging Germany is planting evidence to blame Moscow. Berlin has announced it will close Russia's consulate in Bonn and cancel the lease for Russia's cultural center in Berlin, while also recommending additional EU sanctions against Russian individuals.
Last month, a drone packed with explosives was discovered near a parked Ukrainian jet at the airport. Another drone with an explosive substance was later found near the facility. Russia has repeatedly faced accusations of carrying out hybrid attacks on logistics centers, transport hubs, and undersea cables across Europe, aiming to weaken support for Ukraine among allies.
Russian President Vladimir Putin accused Germany of such tactics, arguing the accusations are a response to Chancellor Merz's declining popularity. The Russian embassy in Germany called the German measures an unprecedented escalation and rejected the accusations as unsubstantiated. European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen expressed solidarity with Germany, vowing to counter Russian aggression.
NATO leaders, including Mark Rutte, pledged to strengthen defenses against such threats. Russian President Putin maintains that Germany is attempting to undermine Ukraine's support.
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