Germany accuses Russia in Leipzig drone attack, moves to close consulate

Germany has formally accused Russia of being behind a drone attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport in eastern Germany last month, prompting the government to announce the closure of a Russian consulate and the termination of a cultural centre's contract.

Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said the incident, on 4 August, followed the "well-established pattern of Russian hybrid operations in Europe". He added that Germany must assume it could be targeted again.

According to investigators, a drone carrying an explosive device was discovered near Ukrainian cargo planes at the airport. The device failed to detonate because of an apparent fault. Officials also suspect a second drone collided with a cargo aircraft nearby. A third drone was reportedly found close to the airport ten days later.

Leipzig/Halle Airport serves as a hub for the German military and NATO allies for transporting military goods. It also operates as a base for Ukraine's Antonov Airlines, which carries a significant share of the country's aerial cargo.

Speaking at a press conference in Berlin, Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul announced that the Russian consulate in Bonn would be closed. The contract for the Russian House in Berlin, which observers have long described as a platform for espionage and Russian propaganda, will also be terminated.

Russia has consistently denied any involvement in the attack. Security experts had earlier speculated about Moscow's possible role, but the German government has now made an official attribution.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said the alliance "stands in full solidarity with Germany". In a post on X, he wrote: "The evidence is clear. And I welcome the measures announced by Germany in response."

The issue is scheduled for discussion at a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Ireland later on Tuesday.

The German government's announcement underscores growing tensions between Berlin and Moscow, which have escalated over Russia's war in Ukraine. The airport is a critical logistics point for Western military aid to Ukraine, and the discovery of the drone has raised concerns about sabotage and espionage on German soil.

The closure of the Russian consulate in Bonn and the termination of the Russian House contract represent significant diplomatic steps. Russian House, officially a cultural centre, has been accused by Western intelligence agencies of being used for covert activities. The German foreign minister said the measures were taken in response to the specific threat posed by the attack.

This story is developing. Further details may emerge as EU foreign ministers discuss the incident and the wider pattern of hybrid threats in Europe.