Germany accused Russian intelligence of orchestrating an attempted drone strike at Leipzig/Halle Airport on August 4, marking the first direct attribution of the incident to Moscow. The drone, loaded with explosives, was found attached to a Ukrainian Antonov cargo plane used to transport military equipment. The German government concluded that Russia was responsible for the hybrid attack, citing clear indications from intelligence services and European partners.
German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt stated that the drone's configuration, parts, explosives, and fuel matched those used in other Russian hybrid operations and in the war against Ukraine. Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul announced retaliatory measures including the closure of Russia's consulate in Bonn and the Russian House of Culture in Berlin, along with plans for tougher sanctions and stricter entry controls for Russian citizens.
The European Union and NATO expressed full solidarity with Germany. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen supported Germany's response, emphasizing that hybrid attacks will not go without a clear reply. Berlin also plans to increase pressure on Russia's shadow fleet and back the EU's 22nd package of sanctions targeting over 1,600 entities.
Russian President Vladimir Putin dismissed the sanctions as a mistake, claiming they run counter to the interests of the German people. The Russian ambassador was summoned to the foreign ministry as Germany moves forward with its punitive measures. Disagreements remain over the extent of direct Russian state involvement versus proxy actors in the attempted attack.