Germany has formally accused Russia of orchestrating an attempted explosive drone attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport on 4 August, after a device was discovered near a Ukrainian Antonov cargo plane and defused. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said police investigations, offence patterns and intelligence findings collectively establish Russian responsibility and warned that further hybrid attacks could follow.
Foreign Minister Johann Wadephu announced a series of retaliatory measures, including the closure of the Russian consulate in Bonn and the Russian House cultural centre in Berlin, and said the incident was not isolated. Russia’s foreign‑ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova responded that Moscow would act in a “mirror‑image” fashion, labeling Berlin’s actions as “sponsoring terrorism” and dismissing the accusations as absurd.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte welcomed Germany’s response, describing the evidence as clear and reaffirming the alliance’s commitment to deter and defend all allies against such threats. Germany plans to push the European Union for additional sanctions and travel restrictions on Russian nationals while increasing pressure on Moscow’s shadow fleet.
The airport was also the site of a 2024 incendiary device explosion that Western security officials linked to Russian intelligence. Ukrainian Ambassador Oleksii Makeiev questioned who else could be responsible. Andy Burnham condemned the attack and backed Germany’s measures. The British prime minister said the United Kingdom stands in full solidarity with Germany and reiterated unwavering support for Ukraine.
