Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) cited “Russian involvement,” stating that Russia bears responsibility for the hybrid attack on August 4. He warned that Germany could face further hybrid attacks, possibly causing even greater damage. “We are not at war, but we are a target of hybrid warfare every day,” the minister added.
Dobrindt also reported that the Leipzig attack used methods known from other Russian hybrid operations. He said the action was carried out by so‑called “low‑level agents.”
Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul (CDU) stated: “Germany is defending itself against adversaries.” He also noted that the federal government will resolutely continue to support Ukraine.
Germany’s response measures
In addition, the government plans to implement the following measures:
- The Russian General Consulate in Bonn will be closed by September 18.
- The contract with the Russian House in Berlin will be terminated.
- Entry controls for Russian citizens will be tightened.
- Wadephul will summon the Russian ambassador.
- Pressure on Russia’s “shadow fleet” will be increased.
A drone equipped with explosives was discovered in the evening of August 4 in the security zone of Leipzig/Halle Airport among Ukrainian cargo planes. Experts from the Federal Police determined that a tin can had detached from the drone, containing approximately half a kilogram of Semtex explosive.
The attack is assessed as serious, as Leipzig/Halle Airport is not only a key logistics hub, particularly for DHL delivery services, but is also regularly used for military transports by the Bundeswehr and NATO.
Wadephul returned to Berlin from a trip to Algeria in the afternoon and will not proceed to the informal meeting of EU foreign ministers in Wicklow, Ireland, as planned.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) was not present at the event but stated last Tuesday: “The federal government is setting a price for the organizers of hybrid attacks. They will pay for this.”
According to: Der Spiegel
