Germany says Russia behind Leipzig airport drone attack
Germany has accused Russia of orchestrating a drone attack at Leipzig airport, leading to the closure of a Russian consulate and tighter entry controls. Russia has denied the allegations, calling them absurd and accusing Germany of fabricating evidence.
Why it matters
This incident marks a significant escalation in diplomatic tensions between Germany and Russia, highlighting the ongoing threat of hybrid warfare in Europe.
Share Save Add as preferred on Google James Gregory and Jessica Parker , Berlin correspondent Getty Images 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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