Germany officially blames Russia for Leipzig Airport attack and closes consulate
Illustrative photo: Russia accused of attacking an An-124 aircraft at Leipzig Airport (Getty Images)
Germany has officially accused Russia of a hybrid drone attack on Leipzig Airport. Berlin is closing the Russian consulate in Bonn, terminating the agreement on the "Russian House," and pushing for new EU sanctions, according to a joint press conference by German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt and Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul.
According to Dobrindt, the methods used in the attack on the German airport fully match the pattern of Russian operations carried out across Europe and during the war against Ukraine.
"We have concluded that Russia is responsible for the hybrid attack in Leipzig. The methods used to carry out the act of 'sabotage in Leipzig' are known from other hybrid operations conducted by Russia and from its war against Ukraine. The attempted attack on Leipzig Airport on August 4 follows the established pattern of Russian hybrid operations in Europe," Dobrindt said.
The German interior minister stressed that this was a planned operation carried out directly by Russians.
Wadephul described the incident as part of Russia's aggressive actions against Europe as a whole. He stressed that Russia's actions "fit into a long series of attempts at destabilization, disinformation, threats, sabotage and aggression directed against Europe."
Consulate closure
In response to the hybrid operation, the German government decided to close the Russian Consulate General in Bonn by September 18. In addition, Germany is fully terminating the agreement governing the operation of the "Russian House" in Berlin.
Germany is also introducing stricter entry controls for Russian citizens and increasing pressure on Russia's shadow fleet. During the press conference, it was also announced that the Russian ambassador had been summoned to the German Foreign Ministry over the airport attack.
New sanctions and expanded lists
German authorities have also decided to expand the list of individuals who will be subject to special monitoring due to hybrid threats.
In addition, Berlin will propose new EU sanctions lists targeting Russians involved in organizing and carrying out similar hybrid attacks in European countries.
Drones at Leipzig Airport
On the night of August 5, a drone carrying explosives was found at Leipzig Airport near a Ukrainian Antonov An-124 cargo plane, prompting the airport to temporarily suspend operations.
Die Zeit later reported that an FPV drone had struck the most vulnerable part of the aircraft's wing, where the fuel tanks are located. This indicates that the attack was targeted rather than simply a "warning."
In addition, on August 25, German law enforcement officers found another drone carrying explosives that was likely also used in the attack on the An-124 at the airport.
