Germany says Russia behind Leipzig airport drone attack
Germany has officially accused Russia of orchestrating a drone attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport, citing evidence of a hybrid warfare pattern. In response, Germany is closing a Russian consulate and tightening entry controls for Russian nationals.
Why it matters
This escalation marks a significant deterioration in diplomatic relations between Germany and Russia, signaling increased geopolitical tension in Europe.
Image source, Getty Images By James Gregory and Jessica Parker , Berlin correspondent Published 1 September 2026 Updated 1 hour ago Germany has said Russia was responsible for last month's drone attack at Leipzig's airport.
A drone carrying an explosive device was discovered at Leipzig/Halle Airport in eastern Germany, close to Ukrainian cargo planes, on 4 August.
It failed to explode as the detonator was apparently faulty, and investigators suspect a second drone collided with a cargo aircraft nearby. A third drone was reportedly found near the airport 10 days later.
Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said the Leipzig airport attack followed the "well-established pattern of Russian hybrid operations in Europe" and the assumption was that Germany would be targeted again.
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday accused Germany of planting evidence to blame Moscow for the attempted drone attack at Leipzig airport.
Putin did not provide evidence for the accusation.
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