Germany accuses Russia of drone attack on Leipzig airport

The German government has accused Russia of being behind an attempted drone attack on a major regional airport last month.

Germany’s Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said on Tuesday afternoon that the attempted attack on Leipzig/Halle Airport in the east of the country in August, using a drone laden with explosives, fits a known pattern of “Russian hybrid operations”.

“Taken ‌together, police investigations, patterns of the offences and intelligence findings establish Russian responsibility for the attempted attack,” he said, standing alongside Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul.

The drone was found at the air hub near a Ukrainian plane on the evening of August 4 and defused.

The findings come as several European countries that are providing Ukraine with support as it defends itself against Moscow’s invasion have reported an increase in sabotage attacks and attempts that they blame on Russia.

Dobrindt said that German authorities do not view the attack as an isolated incident. “It fits into a ⁠broader pattern of Russian hybrid ⁠operations in Europe,” he asserted.

Wadephul said Germany will take a series of diplomatic measures in response.

The Russian ambassador has been summoned, while its consulate general ⁠in Bonn and Russian House cultural centre ⁠in Berlin will be shuttered.

Germany will also seek via the European Union framework for additional sanctions and travel restrictions on Russian nationals. Pressure will also be raised on Russia’s “shadow fleet,” he said.

Reacting ‌to Germany’s announcement, the Russian Foreign Ministry’s spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Moscow would respond to what she called ‌Berlin’s “anti-Russian ‌action,” according to Interfax news agency.

The European Union and NATO have been quick to pledge support for Berlin.

“We are united in our resolve to stand against Russian aggression. We will deter anyone who seeks to undermine our freedom and security,” EU chief Ursula von der Leyen wrote on social media.

She added that the European block is preparing additional sanctions against Moscow.