Germany Accuses Russia of Drone Attack at Leipzig Airport

Germany has formally accused Russia of orchestrating a drone attack at Leipzig-Halle Airport, marking a significant escalation in Berlin's response to what it describes as a campaign of hybrid warfare. The German government announced the attribution on September 1, stating that evidence from police findings, intelligence, and the pattern of the attack established Russian responsibility for the incident on August 4. The attack involved an explosives-laden drone discovered near a Ukrainian cargo plane at the airport, a key logistics hub for NATO and Ukrainian military supplies. German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said the drone configuration and explosive material were known from other operations attributed to Moscow. The device was successfully dismantled before detonation. A second drone was also found in a field near the airport days later. In response, Germany has taken several diplomatic and security measures. Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul ordered the closure of Russia's consulate general in Bonn, the last Russian consulate operating in Germany, effective September 18.