Germany has said Russia was responsible for last month’s drone attack at Leipzig’s airport.
A drone carrying an explosive device was discovered at Leipzig/Halle Airport in eastern Germany, close to Ukrainian cargo planes, on 4 August.
It failed to explode as the detonator was apparently faulty, and investigators suspect a second drone collided with a cargo aircraft nearby. A third drone was reportedly found near the airport 10 days later.
Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said the Leipzig airport attack followed the “well-established pattern of Russian hybrid operations in Europe” and the assumption was that Germany would be targeted again.
Security experts had speculated that Russia may have been responsible, however Russia has always rejected claims of involvement.
Leipzig/Halle Airport in eastern Germany is used by the Germany military and Nato allies for the transport of military goods and also serves as a base for Ukraine’s Antonov Airlines – which carries most of the country’s aerial cargo.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, who was standing beside Dobrindt at a press conference in Berlin, said he would order the closure of the Russian consulate in Bonn, and the contract for the Russian House in Berlin will also be terminated – which many observers have said has been used for espionage and to spread Russian propaganda.
The head of Nato, Mark Rutte, said the organisation “stands in full solidarity with Germany”.
“The evidence is clear. And I welcome the measures announced by Germany in response,” he wrote on X.
The issue will be discussed at a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Ireland later on Tuesday.
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