The German government has attributed an attempted drone attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport last month to Russia, announcing plans to close a Russian consulate and implement additional measures. The drone, which was discovered near a Ukrainian aircraft on August 4, was defused, and German officials indicated that the incident represented a new level of threat.
German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt stated that the drone's configuration and components were consistent with previous Russian operations, suggesting a high level of technical skill involved. He noted that the execution of the plan seemed to have been carried out by lower-level agents. Dobrindt indicated that intelligence suggests involvement from individuals acting on behalf of Russian state entities, though he did not specify which ones.
Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul remarked that the attempted attack has significantly strained Germany's bilateral relations with Russia. He announced that the Russian consulate in Bonn would close on September 18, and the contract for the Russian House cultural center in Berlin would be terminated. Germany will also propose adding more Russian individuals to EU sanctions lists related to hybrid attacks, increase entry controls for people from Russia, and enhance efforts against the so-called shadow fleet, which comprises vessels suspected of violating sanctions on Russian oil.
The Russian ambassador was summoned to the Foreign Ministry in Berlin. In response, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova stated that there would be a fitting response to the planned closures and dismissed claims of Russian involvement as unfounded.
Leipzig/Halle Airport is a significant hub for international freight and supports Ukrainian operations. It is also associated with NATO's Strategic Airlift International Solution, which delivers equipment to NATO forces.
In 2024, an incendiary device ignited at the airport, linked to a plot suspected to be organized by Russian intelligence. The Associated Press has documented around 200 incidents of sabotage attributed to Russia across Europe since the invasion of Ukraine.
The EU has imposed numerous sanctions on Russia, targeting approximately 3,000 individuals and entities. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte expressed solidarity with Germany following the announcement. Additionally, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk reported recent acts of sabotage in Poland, including a fire at WB Electronics, prompting an investigation into foreign intelligence involvement.
The German Cabinet has approved plans to enhance intelligence powers to counter sabotage and hacking attempts, pending parliamentary approval.