Berlin (HRNW)- Germany has accused Russia of being behind an attempted drone attack at Leipzig-Halle Airport and announced a series of countermeasures in response to what it described as growing Russian hybrid activities.
German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said at a press conference in Berlin that Russia was responsible for the incident. He said the Russian ambassador, Sergei Nechayev, had been summoned to the German Foreign Ministry to receive a formal protest.
Dobrindt said forensic analysis of equipment recovered in connection with the incident, along with intelligence information, was consistent with what German authorities described as Russia’s established methods of hybrid operations. He warned that Germany could face further espionage, sabotage, cyberattacks and other unconventional operations.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul announced that Russia’s consulate in Bonn would be closed from September 18. Berlin also plans to terminate the operating agreement of the Russian House in Berlin and introduce stricter measures concerning the entry of Russian citizens.
Germany is also seeking measures against Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet” of aging tankers, which Berlin says Moscow uses to transport oil while circumventing Western sanctions.
Russia has rejected the accusations. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said Germany’s actions would receive a strong response and accused Berlin of supporting terrorism through its military and economic assistance to Ukraine.
The incident occurred on August 4, when a drone carrying explosives was discovered in a security zone at Leipzig-Halle Airport near a Ukrainian Antonov cargo aircraft. Investigators said the explosive device failed to detonate, apparently because of a malfunctioning detonator. Authorities also suspect another drone may have struck the cargo aircraft, while a third drone was reportedly discovered near the airport around 10 days later.
German authorities have described the incident as an extremely serious security threat. Leipzig-Halle Airport is a major cargo and logistics hub that handles military equipment for Germany and NATO allies and is also used by Ukraine’s Antonov Airlines.
Meanwhile, German authorities are investigating the discovery of explosive and incendiary devices near a power substation in Brandenburg. Police said the incident affected a power line and temporarily disrupted electricity supplies, although the perpetrators have not been identified.
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