Russia denies being behind last month’s drone attacks on Leipzig/Halle Airport in Germany.
The Russian Embassy in Germany stated on Tuesday that Berlin’s accusations represent an absurd and unfounded provocation, from which Ukraine, the militaristic wing of the European elite, and arms manufacturers would benefit, according to Reuters.
"The Russian Ambassador categorically rejected the accusations made by Berlin, describing them as unfounded, absurd, and contrary to common sense.
He emphasized that the measures announced by the German side represent an unprecedented escalation of Russo-German relations and will not be without consequences, for which the German government will bear full responsibility," the embassy conveyed.
Additionally, Russian President Vladimir Putin accused Germany of "planting" evidence to attribute the attempted attack to Moscow at Leipzig Airport. However, the Kremlin leader did not present evidence to support this accusation, as reported by BBC.
Furthermore, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova stated that Moscow will respond "in kind" to Berlin's measures.
"Berlin sponsors terrorism," Zakharova declared to the German Press Agency, referring to the military and economic support provided by Germany to Ukraine.
Germany's Accusations
Germany officially accused Russia on Tuesday of being behind last month's drone attack on Leipzig/Halle Airport.
On August 4, a drone carrying an explosive device was discovered at the airport in eastern Germany. The device was near Ukrainian cargo planes.
The explosion did not occur, most likely due to a faulty detonator. Investigators also suspect that a second drone may have collided with a nearby cargo plane. Ten days later, a third drone was reportedly found near the airport.
German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt stated that the attack in Leipzig fits into the "well-known pattern of Russian hybrid operations in Europe" and warned that Germany could again be targeted by such actions.
Berlin Claims to Have Evidence of Russia's Involvement
Alexander Dobrindt stated that the analysis of the equipment used in the attack, combined with information provided by intelligence services, demonstrates Russia's involvement.
At a press conference in Berlin, Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul announced a series of measures against Moscow. Germany plans to close the Russian consulate in Bonn and terminate the contract for the Russian House of Science and Culture in Berlin, which several observers claim was used for espionage and Russian propaganda purposes.
Berlin will also introduce stricter entry controls for Russian citizens and intensify pressure on Russia's so-called "ghost fleet" — a network of old tankers used to circumvent Western sanctions imposed after the invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
An Important Airport for Military Transport
Leipzig/Halle Airport is one of the key logistics centers in eastern Germany. It is used by the German military and NATO allies for transporting military equipment and also serves as a base for the Ukrainian company Antonov Airlines, which handles a significant portion of Ukraine's air cargo.
Security experts had already suspected that Russia could be responsible for the attack, but Moscow has consistently denied any involvement.
There have also been reports that the Goethe-Institut in Moscow may have to cease its activities if Germany closes the Russian House.
EU Discusses Response to the Attack
EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas stated that Russia's recent drone attack on Leipzig Airport "had all the hallmarks of state-sponsored terrorism," according to The Guardian.
Kallas will host an informal meeting of EU Foreign Ministers today in Wicklow, Ireland, focusing on "what more we can do" after Germany officially accused Russia of last month's security incident.
She said the incident should be a "wake-up call" for countries that have delayed imposing new sanctions against Russia.
"If we want to end this war, we all need to focus our efforts and take things to the next level," she stated.
Separately, the EU and France have summoned senior Russian officials to protest the attack.
Kallas mentioned that the discussions will also address how the EU can continue to support Ukraine, given that "Russia is escalating the conflict, killing civilians, and causing as much damage as possible."
Today, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will meet with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, with the Leipzig incident and the situation in Ukraine set to be key topics of their discussions.
NATO's Response and Reactions of Several Leaders
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte expressed support for Germany.
"The evidence is clear. I welcome the measures announced by Germany in response," Rutte wrote on the X platform.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, in turn, stated that Europe is determined to respond to Russian aggression and defend the freedom and security of member states. She announced that the European Union is preparing new sanctions against Russia.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk accused Moscow of "escalating tensions throughout the region." In Poland, prosecutors are investigating whether foreign intelligence services were involved in a fire that broke out on Monday at a factory producing drone components.
In the UK, Prime Minister Andy Burnham stated that Russia's attempts to undermine Western unity and support for Ukraine are "futile and doomed to fail."