Following an investigation, Germany has concluded that Russia was behind the attempted drone attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport on 4 August, describing it as part of Moscow’s ongoing campaign of “hybrid warfare” against European countries supporting Ukraine.
The attack involved drones operating inside the airport’s security area, with one drone carrying explosives and a detonator discovered close to Ukrainian Antonov An-124 cargo aircraft. German authorities believe up to three drones may have been involved. The explosive device failed to detonate and was subsequently made safe by police.
German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said investigators had identified individuals believed to have acted on behalf of Russian state agencies.
The targeted attack was just one of a series of attacks Russia conducted on German soil, targeting Ukrainian-linked logistics and military hardware. Russia also carried out sabotage attacks against the German navy.
Germany has announced a series of retaliatory measures against Russia. The Russian Consulate General in Bonn will be closed by 18 September, while the German government will terminate the lease of the Russian House in Berlin, a cultural centre that has long served Russian propaganda interests. Germany will also tighten immigration controls on Russian nationals and take additional measures in the intelligence sector.
Berlin will also push for further European sanctions against Russian individuals and entities linked to “hybrid operations”, while increasing pressure on Russia’s shadow fleet.
European leaders have expressed solidarity with Germany. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the EU stood in “full solidarity” with Germany and warned that Russian “hybrid attacks” would not go unanswered. European Council President António Costa and European Parliament President Roberta Metsola similarly condemned the attack.
EU High Representative Kaja Kallas went further, saying the Leipzig attack bore all the hallmarks of state-sponsored terrorism, while NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said the entire Alliance stood in full solidarity with Germany amid increasingly reckless Russian activity on NATO territory.
Newsroom
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