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Printed On 1 Sep 2026
The German authorities has accused Russia of being behind an tried drone assault on a significant regional airport final month.
Germany’s Inside Minister Alexander Dobrindt mentioned on Tuesday afternoon that the tried assault on Leipzig/Halle Airport within the east of the nation in August, utilizing a drone laden with explosives, suits a identified sample of “Russian hybrid operations”.
“Taken collectively, police investigations, patterns of the offences and intelligence findings set up Russian accountability for the tried assault,” he mentioned, standing alongside Overseas Minister Johann Wadephul.
The drone was discovered on the air hub close to a Ukrainian airplane on the night of August 4 and defused.
The findings come as a number of European nations which might be offering Ukraine with help because it defends itself towards Moscow’s invasion have reported an increase in sabotage attacks and makes an attempt that they blame on Russia.
Dobrindt mentioned that German authorities don’t view the assault as an remoted incident. “It suits right into a broader sample of Russian hybrid operations in Europe,” he asserted.
Wadephul mentioned Germany will take a sequence of diplomatic measures in response.
The Russian ambassador has been summoned, whereas its consulate normal in Bonn and Russian Home cultural centre in Berlin will probably be shuttered.
Germany can even search by way of the European Union framework for extra sanctions and journey restrictions on Russian nationals. Stress can even be raised on Russia’s “shadow fleet,” he mentioned.
Reacting to Germany’s announcement, the Russian Overseas Ministry’s spokeswoman Maria Zakharova mentioned Moscow would reply to what she referred to as Berlin’s “anti-Russian motion,” in line with Interfax information company.
The European Union and NATO have been fast to pledge help for Berlin.
“We’re united in our resolve to face towards Russian aggression. We’ll deter anybody who seeks to undermine our freedom and safety,” EU chief Ursula von der Leyen wrote on social media.
She added that the European block is making ready further sanctions towards Moscow.
