Germany has accused Russia of orchestrating a failed drone sabotage operation at Leipzig/Halle Airport and announced on Tuesday the closure of Russian diplomatic facilities, significantly raising tensions between the two nations. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock stated that Russia's consulate in Bonn will be shut down and the contract for the Russian House cultural center in Berlin will be terminated.
Officials cited forensic evidence and intelligence findings linking Moscow to the Aug. 4 incident, during which authorities discovered a drone equipped with an explosive device positioned next to a Ukrainian Antonov cargo aircraft. Investigators determined that the explosive failed to detonate due to a faulty detonator. German authorities also believe a second drone collided with a nearby cargo aircraft and described the event as part of Russia's "well-established pattern of Russian hybrid operations in Europe."
Russia has denied the allegations. The Russian Embassy in Berlin characterized the accusation as "absurd," and Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated that Moscow would respond in a "mirror-image" fashion to Germany's actions. The embassy subsequently described Berlin's measures as an "unprecedented escalation in Russian-German relations."
In addition to closing the consulate, Baerbock announced tighter entry restrictions for Russian nationals and additional measures targeting Russia's shadow fleet. She also summoned Russia's ambassador to Germany, Sergei Nechayev.
Leipzig/Halle Airport is a major European cargo hub and serves as a logistics center for Germany's military and NATO allies. The airport also houses Ukrainian Antonov transport aircraft, making it a strategically important location for Ukraine's cargo operations.
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg expressed solidarity with Germany, stating that the alliance "stands in full solidarity with Germany." He welcomed the measures announced by Berlin. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen indicated that the European Union is preparing additional sanctions against Russia, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk accused Moscow of escalating regional tensions.
The developments occur as Germany has warned of an increasing campaign of hybrid threats targeting its military, transportation, and critical infrastructure. German police are also investigating improvised explosive and incendiary devices discovered at a power substation in the state of Brandenburg, though no perpetrators have been identified.