By AZE.US
Germany has ordered the closure of Russia’s Consulate General in Bonn after blaming Moscow for an attempted drone attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport.
The incident occurred on August 4, when a drone carrying explosives and a detonation device was discovered near Ukrainian cargo aircraft inside the airport’s security area. German authorities also believe that another drone may have collided with a DHL aircraft nearby.
German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said police investigations, intelligence findings and the technical characteristics of the drone pointed to Russian state involvement.
Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said the incident was part of a broader pattern of Russian hybrid operations targeting European infrastructure and countries supporting Ukraine.
Berlin ordered the Russian consulate in Bonn to close by September 18. Germany also decided to terminate the agreement allowing the Russian House cultural center to operate in Berlin, tighten entry controls for Russian citizens and push for additional EU sanctions against individuals linked to alleged hybrid operations.
The European Union and NATO have expressed solidarity with Germany. EU foreign ministers are expected to discuss possible collective measures, including additional sanctions and restrictions on Russia’s so-called shadow fleet.
Moscow has rejected the accusations. On September 2, Russia’s Foreign Ministry summoned Germany’s chargé d’affaires in Moscow and called Berlin’s claims “entirely fabricated.”
Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko warned that Russia would respond firmly. President Vladimir Putin also accused Germany of planting evidence and using the case for political purposes.
Germany has not released the full body of evidence publicly, meaning the allegations remain disputed. Berlin, however, says the Leipzig incident should be viewed alongside a wider series of cyberattacks, sabotage cases and other suspected hybrid operations across Europe.
The immediate result is a further deterioration in Russian-German relations.
The closure of the Bonn consulate is largely symbolic, but it could trigger reciprocal diplomatic measures and deepen the confrontation between Moscow and European governments.
AZE.US