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Germany Blames Russia for Failed Drone Attack at Leipzig Airport
Developing
In Short: Germany accuses Russia of orchestrating a 'hybrid attack' following a failed drone incident at Leipzig/Halle airport, prompting new sanctions and border controls.
The German government has accused Russia of orchestrating a 'hybrid attack' following the discovery of a drone loaded with explosives at Leipzig/Halle airport last month. The drone, which could have caused a catastrophic explosion, was found attached to a Ukrainian cargo plane used to transport weapons to Ukraine.
In response, the German government has announced a series of penalty measures, including new lists of individuals on a blacklist and tighter border controls for Russians entering Germany. Foreign Minister Annalena Wadephul stated that Germany would respond 'to this hybrid attack in Leipzig with proportionate and measured, yet equally resolute, action.
Russia's foreign ministry spokesperson, Maria Zakharova, responded by calling Berlin's actions 'anti-Russian' and vowed a response to what she termed 'Berlin's anti-Russian action.' The incident has also drawn criticism from the far-right populist Alternative für Deutschland, which is pushing a pro-Russia agenda and is seeking an absolute majority in Saxony-Anhalt.
The drone in question was carrying 600g of explosives and was discovered in the security area of the airport on the night of August 4-5. The German government has pointed to this as evidence of Russia's involvement in a series of hybrid attacks aimed at causing 'great damage.
What's confirmed
What's still developing
- Government says ‘dangerous behaviour’ is part of effort by Moscow to cause damage with hybrid attacks Government says ‘dangerous behaviour’ is part of effort by Moscow to cause damage with hybrid attacks The German…
- A drone loaded with explosives was discovered at Leipzig/Halle airport on 4 August attached to the wing of a Ukrainian Antonov cargo plane used to transport weapons to Ukraine.
- It failed to detonate but could have caused a catastrophe, authorities said.
- Russia will face a package of penalty measures, Wadephul said, adding that the German government saw “a need for appropriate and necessary action in this situation”.
- It would respond “to this hybrid attack in Leipzig with proportionate and measured, yet equally resolute, action”, he said.
- The Russian ambassador had been summoned to the foreign ministry at that very moment to be informed of the consequences, Wadephul said.
- New lists of people on a blacklist would be drawn up and tighter border controls of Russians entering Germany would be carried out, Wadephul said.
- Responding to Germany’s announcement, Russia’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Maria Zakharova, said Moscow would respond to what she called Berlin’s “anti-Russian action”, according to the Interfax news agency.
Sources
- The Guardianlink