German authorities have accused Russia of being behind the drone attack at Leipzig Airport in early August and have implemented various retaliatory measures.
On Tuesday, 2 Sep 2026 GMT+7, Germany stated that Russia was responsible for the drone attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport on 4 August. Explosive-laden drones were found near a Ukrainian cargo aircraft, but the bombs did not detonate due to faulty fuses. Additionally, two more drones were discovered nearby shortly afterward.
In response, German authorities closed the Russian consulate in Bonn, ended the lease of a Russian-owned residence in Berlin suspected of espionage and propaganda activities, and summoned the Russian ambassador for a meeting.
Furthermore, German officials have tightened immigration controls for Russian nationals and increased pressure on the "Shadow fleet" used by Russia to evade US and European economic sanctions.
Maria Zakharova, spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign Ministry, denied the allegations and announced plans to take reciprocal measures against Germany. She also accused Germany of supporting terrorism by providing aid to Ukraine.
NATO leader Mark Rutte and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen jointly expressed solidarity with Germany, with the EU preparing to implement additional sanctions against Russia.
Meanwhile, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham condemned Russia's actions as an escalation of regional tensions.
Leipzig Airport is a strategic hub used by the German military, NATO, and serves as an air cargo base for Ukraine's Antonov Airlines.
The German government is considering granting greater powers to intelligence agencies to address hybrid warfare—a strategy combining conventional military force with cyberattacks, information warfare, and economic or political pressure to undermine security without a formal declaration of war.
This German response comes amid political challenges for Chancellor Friedrich Merz ahead of local elections in Saxony-Anhalt, where the far-right opposition party AfD, opposing aid to Ukraine and seeking to restore relations with Russia, is gaining popularity.
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Source:bbc