Berlin has attributed an attempted drone attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport last month to Russia, announcing the closure of a Russian consulate alongside other punitive measures against Moscow.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed unwavering support for Germany in response to the incident.
Following discussions with Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Rutte stated on X that NATO would persist in bolstering its capacity to deter and defend all Allies against threats, specifically citing the malign actions witnessed in Leipzig and across the Alliance.
Rutte noted that Berlin had presented “clear” evidence of Moscow’s involvement in the “hybrid attack” and endorsed the retaliatory measures announced.
He added that Russia’s efforts to intimidate Germany, fracture its unity, and hinder its support for Ukraine are futile and destined to fail.
The Commission president, who also conferred with Merz, pledged to maintain EU cohesion “despite these escalating and serious acts.”
Von der Leyen wrote on X that she assured Merz the bloc stands in “full solidarity with Germany in the face of this attack by Russia.” She emphasized that the German government’s strong measures send a clear message that hybrid attacks will face a definitive response, noting the EU is preparing additional sanctions.
Von der Leyen concluded with a declaration of unity: “We are united in our resolve to stand against Russian aggression. We will deter anyone who seeks to undermine our freedom and security.”
The drone was discovered near a Ukrainian aircraft on the evening of August 4 and subsequently defused. At the time, German officials warned that the incident introduced a new tier of danger.
Western officials have widely accused Moscow of orchestrating a campaign of sabotage and disruption across Europe aimed at eroding support for Ukraine and destabilizing European nations.
German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt stated on Tuesday that investigators identified components such as the drone configuration, explosives, and detonator—elements “known to us from other Russian hybrid operations and its war against Ukraine.” He noted the device indicated “a high degree of technical expertise” and meticulous planning, though its execution seemingly relied on “low-level” operatives.
In a Berlin press conference, Dobrindt stated that intelligence indicates “people being involved who acted on behalf of Russian state entities,” though he did not specify which ones. He affirmed that police investigations, patterns, and intelligence findings collectively prove Russian responsibility for the attempted attack at Leipzig airport.
Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul declared that “with the attempted attack in Leipzig, the Russian leadership deliberately decided to inflict significant damage on our already massively burdened bilateral relationship.” He confirmed the closure of the Russian consulate in Bonn effective September 18 and the rescinding of the contract for the Russian House cultural centre in Berlin.
Germany will propose adding more Russian individuals to EU sanctions lists concerning “hybrid attacks,” intensify entry controls for Russian nationals, and “increase pressure on the shadow fleet”—a reference to tankers suspected of transporting Russian oil in violation of international sanctions. The EU has already sanctioned hundreds of such vessels.
Russia’s Foreign Ministry informed the Interfax news agency that Moscow “would respond” to what it characterized as Germany’s “anti-Russian decision.”
Leipzig/Halle serves as a critical hub for international freight and Ukraine support, regularly accommodating Ukrainian Antonov transport aircraft.
The airport also hosts NATO’s Strategic Airlift International Solution (SALIS), which operates almost daily to deliver equipment to NATO battle groups along the eastern flank, from Finland to Romania, and to support EU and alliance missions.
In 2024, an incendiary device ignited at a logistics center at the airport, setting fire to a freight container destined for a cargo plane. Western security officials suspect Russian intelligence organized that plot as well.
