Photo: EPA
The German government has officially accused Russia of involvement in an August 4 drone incident near a Ukrainian cargo aircraft at Leipzig/Halle Airport. Berlin has announced a package of measures in response, including the closure of Russia’s Consulate General in Bonn and the cancellation of plans to build a “Russian House” in Berlin.
German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said investigations by German security agencies and their European partners “clearly point to Russian involvement.” Investigators based their conclusions on the drone’s configuration and components previously identified in other Russian-linked hybrid incidents.
“Methods used in other Russian attacks were also employed in Leipzig. The operation was carried out by lower-level agents, which corresponds to the pattern of Russian hybrid operations. Therefore, the federal government concludes that Russia is responsible for the hybrid attack that took place in Leipzig on August 4. We are not at war. But every day, we are a target of hybrid warfare,” Dobrindt said.
Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said the incident had further damaged relations with Moscow. Germany has ordered Russia’s Consulate General in Bonn to close as of September 18, after which the Russian Embassy in Berlin will be Moscow’s only remaining diplomatic mission in Germany.
Berlin will also terminate the contract for construction of the “Russian House” and tighten entry controls for Russian citizens. The planned center on Friedrichstrasse is officially described as a cultural institution but has been regarded by German authorities as a hub for Russian intelligence activity.
Germany also plans to increase pressure on Russia’s “shadow fleet” and push for EU sanctions against additional Russian officials linked to such activities.
“Our message to the Russian leadership is clear: we will not allow Russian attacks to divide or intimidate our social cohesion,” Wadephul said, adding that Germany would continue supporting Ukraine while strengthening its own defenses.
EU and Poland pledge a coordinated response
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the EU would remain united despite what she called “escalatory and serious actions.” She said hybrid attacks would receive a clear response and that she would discuss the situation with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
EU foreign ministers are expected to prepare potential additional sanctions at their next meeting under Ireland’s EU presidency.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said Russia was increasing tensions across the region — from Poland and the Baltic states to Romania and now Germany. He said the response would include continued support for Ukraine and closer NATO coordination.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Moscow would respond to Germany’s anti-Russian measures and complained that the “Russian House” had long been a source of concern for the German government.
What happened in Leipzig
The incident occurred on August 4, when a drone carrying explosives was discovered near a Ukrainian Antonov An-124 cargo aircraft at Leipzig/Halle Airport.
Investigators later determined that the An-124 was carrying military ammunition and that the drone’s explosive device had sophisticated construction and military characteristics.
Authorities subsequently concluded that the drone had not merely been positioned near the aircraft but had attacked the An-124. The explosive device, however, did not detonate.
The incident came amid an increase in alleged Russian hybrid activity in Germany, including espionage, sabotage and other operations targeting logistics and defense infrastructure. German officials have previously acknowledged that the country underestimated the scale of the threat.
