Germany introduces countermeasures against Russia after the incident in Leipzig
Germany announced a series of countermeasures against Russia after Berlin blamed Moscow for an attempted sabotage involving an explosive-laden drone at Leipzig/Halle Airport. In particular, the Russian Consulate General in Bonn will be closed, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said.
According to him, the consulate general must cease operations by September 18. In addition, Berlin will terminate the agreement under which the Russian House operates in the German capital.
Germany also intends to tighten entry controls for Russian citizens, increase pressure on the Russian 'shadow fleet' and seek European Union sanctions against additional Russian individuals and legal entities involved in hybrid operations.
The Russian ambassador in Berlin was summoned to the German Foreign Ministry in connection with the incident.
Wadephul said the attempted attack in Leipzig was another serious blow to the already extremely tense relations between Germany and Russia. According to him, Berlin does not intend to overreact to such actions, but will not leave attacks unanswered.
Earlier on Tuesday, Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said that the results of the police investigation, the nature of the preparation of the operation and intelligence data point to Russia's responsibility for what happened on August 4.
On that day, a drone with explosives was found in a secured area of Leipzig/Halle Airport near a Ukrainian cargo plane. The device was defused. According to German authorities, the configuration of the drone, the components used, the explosive substance and the detonation mechanism are similar to elements previously recorded in Russian hybrid operations.
Dobrindt also stated that intelligence data indicate the involvement of people acting on behalf of Russian state structures. However, he did not publicly name the specific agency or intelligence service.
Leipzig/Halle Airport is of particular importance for cargo aviation and support for Ukraine. It is regularly used by Ukrainian Antonov transport aircraft. In addition, the NATO SALIS strategic airlift program operates there, used to deliver cargo to allies.
Germany assumes that Russian hybrid operations against the country may continue. The authorities intend to simultaneously strengthen the protection of critical infrastructure and coordinate countermeasures with EU and NATO partners.
Source: Handelsblatt, Tagesschau
