German government says Russia is to blame for drone attack

Berlin (dpa/d.de) - The German government blames Russia for the failed drone attack on Leipzig/Halle Airport and is responding with a whole package of retaliatory measures. These include the closure of the Russian House in Berlin and of Russia’s Consulate General in Bonn, the associated expulsion of numerous diplomats, tighter entry controls for Russians and tougher action to counter Russia’s shadow fleet. 

“We are not at war, but we are a daily target of hybrid warfare,” is how Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt described the situation. Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul told public service broadcaster ARD that we “cannot allow Russia to labour under the misconception that it can do such things without Germany reacting”.

A drone carrying an explosive device and detonator had been discovered between Ukrainian cargo aircraft in the security area of Leipzig/Halle Airport in the evening of 4 August. Germany’s federal prosecutor launched investigations and talked of a “serious attack on the transport and logistics infrastructure in Germany”. Latest findings point to a total of three drones being involved.

The German government also plans to discuss the attack in the North Atlantic Council and at the EU foreign ministers’ meeting. However, it is opting not to invoke Article 4 of the North Atlantic Treaty, which requires member states to consult together if any NATO state declares that it is facing an external threat. 

Russian President Vladimir Putin called the sanctions against Russia a “serious error.” He described the evidence provided as “fabricated”.