Germany on Tuesday formally held Russia responsible for the August 4 attempted drone strike on Leipzig/Halle Airport, with Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt citing police investigations, attack patterns and intelligence findings as evidence. The drone, found near a parked Ukrainian aircraft and laden with explosives, was defused by authorities.
Foreign Minister Johann Wadephun announced Russia’s consulate general in Bonn and the Russian House cultural centre in Berlin will be closed later this month, the Russian ambassador has been summoned, and Germany will push within the European Union for additional sanctions, travel restrictions and pressure on Moscow’s shadow fleet.
The European Union and NATO pledged solidarity with Berlin, with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and NATO chief Mark Rutte both stating support and announcing preparations for further measures. EU foreign ministers were scheduled to discuss next steps at meetings later Tuesday and Wednesday.
A separate police investigation continued into reported explosives found at a Brandenburg power substation, described as involving double-digit devices. Moscow denied involvement and warned it would respond to anti-Russian actions, setting up a diplomatic confrontation with Berlin and its European partners.