Germany has officially accused Russia of attempting a drone attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport in early August. On September 1, the German government stated that a Russian intelligence service was involved in the incident. This is the first time Berlin has directly attributed responsibility for the incident to Moscow.
“We have clear evidence of Russian involvement, obtained from our intelligence services and partner agencies, as well as from investigations in Germany and our European partner countries,” Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said during a press conference.
According to him, German security services have been recording a high level of threat related to hybrid activities in Germany and across Europe for some time. Among the targets are critical infrastructure and defense companies.
Details of the attack attempt and government conclusions
Earlier, U.S. media and intelligence had already linked the attack attempt to Russia. According to reports, the drone was equipped with explosives and was intended to target a Ukrainian cargo plane, an Antonov, which is also used to transport military equipment.
“The attack attempt at Leipzig Airport on August 4 fits the established pattern of Russian hybrid operations in Europe… The German government therefore concludes that Russia is responsible for the hybrid attack in Leipzig on August 4,” Alexander Dobrindt said.
In the night of August 5, airport operations were suspended after authorities detected a “modified drone”. It was later found near a Ukrainian transport aircraft, an Antonov An-124. A second “unidentified flying object” collided with a DHL cargo plane that was approaching for landing.
On August 14, investigators discovered a third drone in a field near Kabelsketal, west of the airport.
Germany’s response and broader concerns
Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said that in response to the attack, Germany will close the Russian consulate in Bonn and the Russian House of Science and Culture in Berlin.
Berlin will also push for stronger sanctions against Russia, stricter controls on the entry of Russian citizens, and increased pressure on the so-called Russian shadow fleet.
The German government’s accusations come amid growing concern among Western officials about hybrid operations allegedly supported by Moscow. These include arson, infrastructure sabotage, and suspicious drone activity near critical facilities.
Source: Kyiv Independent
