Germany has blamed Russia for an tried attack with an explosive-laden drone at Leipzig airport final month.
Local authorities discovered the drone close to a Ukrainian aircraft at the airport on 4 August, and defused it after closing each runways.
Alexander Dobrindt, German inside minister, stated at the time that the tried attack match a identified sample of “Russian hybrid operations”.
He stated on Tuesday that the German government now “comes to the conclusion that Russia is responsible for the hybrid attack in Leipzig”.
Mr Dobrindt additionally added that “we assume that Germany is the target of further hybrid attacks by Russia”.
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Foreign minister Johann Wadephul additionally stated the Russian consulate in Bonn can be closed on 18 September and stated he had summoned the Russian ambassador.
In response, Russia’s overseas ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated Moscow will reply to Germany’s “anti-Russian actions”.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated on Tuesday that the navy bloc “stands in full solidarity with Germany” after a name with Chancellor Friedrich Merz in regards to the incident.
“The evidence is clear”, he added on X, “and I welcome the measures announced by Germany in response.
“NATO will proceed to strengthen our potential to discourage and defend all Allies in opposition to any menace – together with malign actions like these seen in Leipzig and elsewhere throughout the Alliance.”
Prime Minister Andy Burnham also said that the UK supports Germany “following Russia’s egregious and reckless attack”, adding: “Russian makes an attempt to undermine our united resolve and our willingness to help Ukraine are futile and doomed to fail.
“As I made clear in Kyiv last week, our commitment to supporting Ukraine from Russia’s illegal invasion is ironclad.”
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The prime minister additionally stated: “The strong measures taken by the German government show action against any attack of this nature will be met with a clear response.
“We won’t waver in our resolve to discourage assaults on our freedom and safety.”
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(c) Sky News 2026: Attempted drone attack at Leipzig airport blamed on Russia, German government says