Germany accuses Russia of Leipzig airport drone attack
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The German government says it assesses that Russia was responsible for an attempted drone attack at Leipzig/Halle airport last month and ordered a series of measures in response, including the closure of a Russian cultural centre in Berlin.
Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said intelligence findings indicated that individuals involved in the attack were acting on behalf of Russian state agencies.
“Taken together, police investigations, patterns of the offences and intelligence findings establish Russian responsibility for the attempted attack at Leipzig Airport,” he said.
Standing alongside Dobrindt, Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said Germany did not view Leipzig as an isolated incident.
“It fits into a broader pattern of Russian hybrid operations in Europe,” he said.
A drone fitted with explosives and a detonation mechanism was discovered on the evening of August 4 in the security zone of Leipzig/Halle Airport, between Ukrainian cargo aircraft, prompting a temporary halt to flights.
In response to the attack, Wadephul said on Tuesday Germany would take a series of measures including closing Russia’s consulate general in Bonn and terminating its agreement with the Russian House cultural centre in Berlin.
Germany will also push within the European Union for additional sanctions listings and travel restrictions on Russian citizens while increasing pressure on Russia’s “shadow fleet,” he said.
Responding to Germany’s announcement, Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said her country would respond to what she called Germany’s “anti-Russian action,” according to Interfax news agency.
She did not elaborate.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the European Union would stand united against Russian aggression and would deter anyone who tried to undermine freedom and security in the bloc.
“We will keep the EU united despite these escalating and serious acts,” she wrote on social media.
“Russia is seeking to sow distrust and fear among our societies. But it will fail. And we will stand by Ukraine for as long as it takes,” she posted on X.
with DPA and AP
Reuters