Germany has accused Russia of being behind a failed drone attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport last month, marking a significant escalation in tensions between Berlin and Moscow.
The incident happened on 4 August, when authorities discovered a drone carrying an explosive device at the airport in eastern Germany. The device was found close to Ukrainian cargo aircraft. It did not explode, apparently because its detonator malfunctioned.
Investigators also believe another drone may have collided with a cargo aircraft in the area. About 10 days later, a third drone was reportedly discovered near the airport.
German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said investigators had found evidence linking the incident to Russia. He described the attack as following a familiar pattern of what Germany considers Russian hybrid operations across Europe.
Dobrindt warned that Germany could face further attempts to disrupt or intimidate the country.
Russia has strongly rejected the accusation. President Vladimir Putin claimed on Tuesday that Germany had planted evidence in an attempt to blame Moscow for the incident, although he provided no evidence to support that claim. The Russian embassy in Berlin also dismissed Germany's allegations as "absurd."
Dobrindt said the conclusion about Russian involvement was based on an examination of the equipment used in the attack as well as intelligence gathered by German authorities.
Germany Announces New Measures Against Russia
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul announced a series of measures in response.
He said Germany would close the Russian consulate in Bonn and end the contract for the Russian House in Berlin, a cultural institution that German officials and security experts have previously accused of being used for espionage and Russian propaganda.
Germany also plans to introduce stricter entry controls for Russian citizens and increase efforts to target Russia's so-called shadow fleet — aging oil tankers that Moscow is accused of using to bypass Western sanctions imposed after Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Wadephul said Russia's ambassador to Germany, Sergei Nechayev, had been summoned to the Foreign Ministry.
Russia has threatened to respond in kind. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Moscow would take "mirror-image" measures, while the Russian embassy described Germany's actions as an unprecedented escalation in relations between the two countries.
Zakharova also accused Berlin of "sponsoring terrorism" because of Germany's military and financial support for Ukraine.
NATO and EU Back Germany
Germany's claims have received support from several of its European allies.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said the alliance stood firmly behind Germany, arguing that the evidence pointed clearly toward Russian involvement.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also expressed support for Berlin and said the European Union was preparing additional sanctions against Russia.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said Russia was continuing to increase tensions throughout the region. His comments came as Polish authorities investigate a fire at a factory producing drone components and consider whether foreign intelligence services could have been involved.
The UK also voiced support for Germany. Prime Minister Andy Burnham said Russian efforts to weaken Western support for Ukraine would ultimately fail.
Why Leipzig Airport Matters
Leipzig/Halle Airport is an important logistics hub. It is used by Germany's armed forces and NATO partners to transport military equipment and also serves as a base for Ukraine's Antonov Airlines, which handles a large share of Ukraine's air cargo.
That makes the airport particularly sensitive amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.
German officials had previously been reluctant to publicly identify who they believed was responsible for the August incident, saying only that foreign powers could have been involved. US media reports had already indicated that American officials suspected a connection to Russia.
Germany has increasingly warned that it is facing daily threats from what officials describe as hybrid warfare, including sabotage, cyberattacks, espionage and other covert activities.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz recently warned that anyone carrying out hostile actions against Germany would "pay a price." His government is also considering expanding the powers of German intelligence agencies, which have faced criticism for lacking sufficient authority to respond effectively to security threats.
Political Pressure on Merz
The latest accusations come at a politically sensitive time for Merz's government.
Germany is a major supporter of Ukraine, and Merz has taken a particularly strong position in backing Kyiv. But the government's approach toward Russia is facing criticism from both sides of the political debate.
Roderich Kiesewetter, a senior lawmaker from Merz's Christian Democratic Union (CDU), argued that Germany's response was still too weak. He said Moscow would simply ignore diplomatic summons and called for greater determination from Berlin.
The issue could also become politically important ahead of a key state election in Saxony-Anhalt. A strong result for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) could potentially allow the party to enter state government for the first time.
The AfD opposes continued military support for Ukraine and has called for improved relations with Russia.
Another Explosive Device Investigation
Separately, German police are investigating the discovery of suspected improvised explosive and incendiary devices at a power substation in Brandenburg on Tuesday.
A power line was damaged during the incident, temporarily disrupting electricity supplies. Authorities have not yet established who placed the devices or whether the incident is connected to the Leipzig airport attack.
The developments underline Germany's growing concern over covert attacks on critical infrastructure and strategic facilities. With Berlin strengthening its support for Ukraine and taking a harder line against Moscow, tensions between Germany and Russia are likely to remain high.