Hybrid Attack
The German government on Tuesday blamed Russia for a "hybrid attack" involving an explosive-laden drone at a strategic airport last month and announced diplomatic counter-measures. Berlin will close Russia's consulate in the former capital Bonn later this month, and cancel the lease for the Russian House, a cultural centre in the capital, said Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul.
"We are tightening entry controls for Russian nationals," Wadephul said, and Germany would propose the listings of more Russian individuals for European Union sanctions. He also vowed to increase pressure on the Russian "shadow fleet" of old ships with opaque ownership used to circumvent Western sanctions.
Leipzig, August 4
Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said that after assessing the drone technology and other intelligence, "the government concludes that Russia is responsible for the hybrid attack in Leipzig on August 4." A drone found at Leipzig airport carried explosives, and police used a robot to defuse the device near a Ukrainian cargo plane. Another drone was reportedly found weeks later near the airport, also with traces of an explosive substance.
The airport in eastern Germany plays a key role in the transport of military goods, including by the German military and NATO allies, and also serves as a base for Ukraine's Antonov Airlines. EU chief Ursula von der Leyen said the bloc stands in "full solidarity" with Germany, while NATO chief Mark Rutte vowed the alliance's "full solidarity" with Berlin.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Germany had "found itself in the crosshairs of hybrid attackers" and warned that perpetrators would "pay for them." Germany has for months reported suspicious drone sightings over military and industrial sites.