Germany has blamed Russia for an attempted drone attack at Leipzig Airport last month and unveiled extensive measures and sanctions against Moscow.
German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said at a press conference in Berlin on Tuesday that investigators had found the plot was planned by Russian intelligence services and carried out by low-level operatives.
“The means employed—such as the drone configuration, various components, explosives, and ignition systems—are consistent with those known from other hybrid operations conducted by Russia,” Dobrindt said.
“An overall assessment of the attempted attack on August 4 at Leipzig Airport fits into the known pattern of Russian hybrid operations in Europe. Findings from intelligence sources substantiate this conclusion, pointing to individuals who acted on behalf of Russian state entities,” he said.
Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, speaking at the same briefing, said he had summoned Russia’s ambassador to deliver Berlin’s protest and to notify Moscow of the government’s response.
“The Russian Consulate General in Bonn will close on September 18. The agreement regarding the Russian House in Berlin is being terminated,” Wadephul said. The Soviet-era cultural centre in the capital has long been viewed by Western officials as a possible cover for intelligence work.
Wadephul said Germany has informed its EU and NATO partners of its decisions and secured their solidarity.
“We will propose new EU listings of Russian individuals in response to hybrid attacks,” he continued. “We are tightening entry controls for Russian nationals, and we will increase pressure on the Russian shadow fleet.”
Responding to Germany's announcement, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said Moscow would respond to what she called Berlin's "anti-Russian action", according to Interfax news agency. She did not elaborate.
