Germany points finger at Russia over Leipzig airport drone attack, prompting Moscow response

Alarm bells went off among German authorities when they discovered explosive-laden drones inside the secure area of Leipzig/Halle Airport on Aug 4.

Initially, Russia's name has been thrown into the mix.

But nearly a month later, the German government officially accused Russia of being behind the attempted drone attack.

At a press conference, Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said, "The federal government concludes that Russia is responsible for the hybrid attack in Leipzig."

The attack, he said, "fitted the pattern of a long series of destabilisation operations against Europe".

Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul was more direct.

"The means used — such as the drone configuration, components, explosives and detonation systems — are known to us from other hybrid operations by Russia and its war against Ukraine."

At least three drones were found in the attempted attack on the airport.

The first one breached the airport's security area.

While a second one is believed to have struck a DHL aircraft.

And the third one was found at the airport.

None of the drones is said to have exploded.

Meanwhile, the location of the Leipzig/Halle airport is crucial, given it has been used for transporting logistics to Ukraine and the wider NATO.

What Berlin will do?

For now, Dobrindt said, Berlin will close the consulate in Bonn. In addition, ending the permit of Russian House – a Russian culture centre – in Berlin.

A further response, the German government said, will be done in coordination with the EU and NATO allies.

Moscow response

In response, the Russian Foreign Ministry told Interfax, a Russian news agency, that Moscow will respond to Germany's "anti-Russian decisions".