Germany intends to respond to Russia’s drone incident at Leipzig airport by increasing support for Ukraine. In particular, Berlin will provide more weapons and intelligence to Kyiv to strike Russian targets more effectively, Der Spiegel reported.
Journalists from the outlet found that Germany seeks to strengthen Ukraine’s position in the war against Russia. In September, Berlin will deliver thousands of strike drones and missiles for the IRIS‑T air‑defence system to Ukraine.
Deepening intelligence cooperation and new powers
Germany also plans to deepen cooperation between German and Ukrainian intelligence services. Government sources in Germany told journalists that Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s team will help Ukraine identify target coordinates for counter‑attacks on Russian territory.
In addition, German special services may receive expanded powers. According to the publication’s interlocutors, the Bundestag is set to pass a law on intelligence services that will broaden the scope of “active measures” to counter hostile attacks.
The German government will also grant broader powers to employees of the Federal Intelligence Service of Germany to counter hostile cyber operations. They will be allowed to access adversary computers and servers, delete stolen information, and interfere with the opponent’s supply chains.
Berlin’s reaction to the drone attack and suspicions regarding Serbia
Earlier, Germany’s Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt and Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said Berlin is certain of Russia’s responsibility for the drone attack on Leipzig airport. Consequently, the Russian consulate in Bonn will be closed until September 18, and Germany will push for an expansion of EU‑level sanctions against Russia.
The Interior Minister added that Germany has decided to terminate the agreement on the “Russian House” in Berlin, introduce controls on the entry of Russian citizens, and increase pressure on the “shadow fleet.” He described the incident as a Russian hybrid operation in Europe carried out by state actors.
The publication Clash Report wrote that Serbia may be involved in the Leipzig drone incident, as one of the possible perpetrators travelled to that country after the attack.
Source: UNIAN
