Germany blames Russia for explosive drone

The German government has officially blamed Russia for an attempted attack using an explosives-laden drone at Leipzig/Halle Airport. According to investigators, the target was a Ukrainian cargo plane.

German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt and Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul announced this at a joint press conference in Berlin on September 1.

According to Dobrindt, data from German security agencies, as well as information received from European partners, "clearly indicate Russian involvement." The nature of the attack preparations, the drones used, explosives, and detonation devices, he said, correspond to a known pattern of Russian hybrid operations in Europe and methods used in the war against Ukraine.

The incident occurred on the night of August 4 to 5 at Leipzig/Halle Airport. A drone with approximately 600 grams of explosives was discovered near a cargo plane of the Ukrainian airline Antonov Airlines. According to Handelsblatt, the device was intended to strike the aircraft, but the detonator failed.

The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Prosecutor's Office of Germany. The investigation treats the incident as an attempted bombing and dangerous interference with air transport operations. Earlier, German media reported that the explosives used could have been military-grade.

Leipzig/Halle Airport is one of Germany's largest cargo aviation hubs and is used, among other things, for logistics related to support for Ukraine. Ukrainian Antonov transport aircraft operate there regularly. In addition, the airport is involved in the NATO SALIS strategic airlift program.

Wadephul stated that Germany is not at war with Russia, but is a target of Russian hybrid warfare. According to him, Berlin assumes that such attacks from Russia could be repeated.

In response, Germany intends to close the Russian Consulate General in Bonn from September 18 and terminate the agreement under which the "Russian House" in Berlin operates. The government also plans to seek additional European sanctions and strengthen security measures.

Moscow had previously denied involvement in the incident. Until the investigation was completed, German authorities publicly spoke only of the possible involvement of a "foreign power," but on September 1 they officially named Russia as responsible for the attempted attack for the first time.

Based on materials from: Handelsblatt, Tagesschau