Germany has publicly accused Russia of orchestrating a brazen attempt to strike a key aviation hub in Leipzig, saying evidence points to Russian state agencies directing an explosive-laden drone incident last month.
Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said intelligence assessments show that those behind the 4 August attack were acting on behalf of Russian government bodies.
“Taken together, police investigations, patterns of the offences and intelligence findings establish Russian responsibility for the attempted attack at Leipzig Airport,” he said.
Appearing with Mr Dobrindt, Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul warned the government is treating the episode as part of a wider campaign rather than a one-off.
“It fits into a broader pattern of Russian hybrid operations in Europe,” he said.
Mr Wadephul said Berlin would respond with a package of steps, including shutting Russia’s consulate general in Bonn and ending Germany’s agreement with the Russian House cultural centre in Berlin.
He added that Germany will press within the European Union for further sanctions listings and travel restrictions targeting Russian nationals, while stepping up efforts against Russia’s “shadow fleet”.
Russian President Vladimir Putin criticised the German sanctions tied to the drone incident, calling them “another mistake” and arguing they were designed to win domestic political points.
“I think it’s another mistake, a serious one,” Mr Putin said during a press conference broadcast by the Russian Tass news agency.
“And in my view it clearly runs counter to the interests of the German people.”
Russia’s embassy in Germany rejected Berlin’s claims, describing them as an absurd and baseless provocation that it said would advantage Ukraine, the militaristic wing of the Europe’s elite, and arms makers.
In a statement, the embassy said the moves announced by Germany constituted an unprecedented escalation.
“The Russian ambassador categorically rejected the accusations levelled by Berlin as unsubstantiated, absurd and contrary to common sense,” the embassy said.
“He pointed out that the measures announced by the German side represent an unprecedented escalation in Russian-German relations and will not remain without consequences, for which the German Government will bear full responsibility.”
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul (L) and Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt held a press conference today to address the incident
NATO, EU show solidarity with Germany
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said she plans to raise the attempted drone strike with NATO secretary general Mark Rutte.
Writing on social media platform X, she said EU foreign ministers will work on a response at their next meeting.
“We are united in our resolve to stand against Russian aggression. We will deter anyone who seeks to undermine our freedom and security,” Ms von der Leyen wrote, adding the European Union was preparing additional sanctions against Russia.
Mr Rutte said the alliance would continue to strengthen its ability to deter and defend allies against any threat following the Leipzig incident.
“The evidence is clear. And I welcome the measures announced by Germany in response.
“NATO stands in full solidarity with Germany after the Russian hybrid attack in Leipzig on 4 August,” Mr Rutte said in a post on X.
French President Emmanuel Macron also backed new European sanctions against Russia after the Leipzig incident, which Germany has attributed to Moscow.
“We must be united in support to Ukraine, France will continue to play its full part,” he said in a post on X.
Finnish President Alexander Stubb said Finland, too, stood firmly with Germany, arguing the incident reflects tactics used by Russia elsewhere.
“We know the Russian playbook. It attempts to intimidate us, to undermine our resolve and our willingness to support Ukraine in its defense against Russia’s invasion.
“It will not succeed. We will stand united and deter anyone from attacking our freedom and security,” Mr Stubb said.
Minister for Defence Helen McEntee said Russian activity in the EU has moved beyond rhetoric, arguing it has now taken the form of incursions into EU territory.
Pointing to Germany’s attribution of the attempted Leipzig drone attack to Russia, she said she has also heard from counterparts in Romania, Estonia, Latvia and Poland about hybrid activity occurring on EU soil.
From Ireland’s perspective, she said, higher defence spending is essential.
“This is about protecting people, this is about our overall security, that we work in closer cooperation with our allies and partners.”
German minister says Brandenburg power grid target of sabotage attack
Separately, officials in eastern Germany reported a suspected sabotage incident targeting the Brandenburg power grid, after unexploded incendiary devices damaged power lines, the state’s interior minister said on Tuesday.
The incident has added urgency to Germany’s debate over how to better shield critical infrastructure, amid what officials describe as a rising threat from cyber and hybrid attacks.
The Turnow-Preilack substation is among the region’s most important high-voltage nodes, linking Brandenburg’s largest power station, Jaenschwalde, with the 50Hertz transmission grid.
Interior Minister Jan Redmann told a press conference that rockets carrying conductive material were launched into extra-high-voltage lines, triggering two short circuits.
He said investigators were still searching the area and that the number of devices recovered — already in the double digits — continued to grow.
Mr Redmann said he could not rule out involvement by foreign powers, and he also did not exclude left-wing activists, who have previously carried out attacks on power structures.
The rockets, he said, appeared purpose-built and distinct from typical celebratory fireworks, with the setup requiring substantial work.
Grid operator 50Hertz said there was a brief power outage, but all lines have since been restored and the broader electricity supply was never affected.
