Germany accused the Russian Federation of a hybrid attack at Leipzig Airport and promised to strengthen border controls for Russians

Germany directly accused Russia of organizing the drone attack on Leipzig Airport on the night of August 5. Berlin will tighten border controls for Russian citizens entering the country, UNN reports, citing Bild and DW.

Details

German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt and Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul held a press conference at which they presented the results of the investigation into the incident at Leipzig Airport, where a drone carrying explosives was discovered next to a Ukrainian military transport aircraft on the night of August 5.

As Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt stated, the perpetrators and organizers of the "hybrid attack" acted "on orders from Russian state structures": "The joint police investigation, the nature of the crime, and intelligence data confirm Russia's responsibility for the attempted strike at Leipzig Airport."

"We proceed from the assumption that Germany is the target of further hybrid attacks by Russia," Dobrindt added. He also stated that Russia has "the readiness to inflict more serious harm."

Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul also accused Russia and Vladimir Putin — "the Russian leadership consciously decided to further significantly worsen our already extremely strained relations."

Wadephul also reaffirmed Germany's solidarity with Ukraine and its readiness to defend itself against opponents who seek to sow uncertainty. According to him, the government will make it more difficult for Russia to conduct further hybrid operations in Germany and Europe.

In addition

According to DW, it became known during the press conference that the Russian consulate in Bonn would be closed and the agreement on the Russian House in Berlin would be terminated.

In addition, Germany will tighten border controls for Russian citizens entering the country.

Context

At the beginning of August, a drone with a detonator was discovered at Leipzig Airport next to a Ukrainian "Antonov" aircraft.

Later, the German authorities stated that they were investigating the incident as possible sabotage, while the interior minister called it a hybrid attack.

In addition, it was reported that U.S. intelligence determined that the drone found at Leipzig/Halle Airport near the Ukrainian An-124 belonged to Russia.

As the media reported, Merz plans to directly declare Russia responsible for the drone carrying explosives in the city of Leipzig.