The German government on Tuesday officially blamed Russia for an attempted drone attack on Leipzig/Halle Airport on August 4. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt told a press conference in Berlin that the attack fits the pattern of a "long series of destabilization operations" against Europe, underscoring the severity of the incident.
Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul stated that the drone's configuration, components, explosives, and detonation systems are "known to us from other hybrid operations by Russia and its war against Ukraine." German federal prosecutors described the incident as a "serious attack on Germany's transport and logistics infrastructure," highlighting the potential for significant disruption.
On the evening of August 4, authorities discovered an explosives-laden drone in the security area of Leipzig/Halle Airport, positioned between Ukrainian cargo aircraft. Investigators believe a second drone may have collided with a DHL aircraft nearby. German media later reported that a third drone, also equipped with explosives, had been found at the airport, raising concerns about a coordinated campaign.
Interior Minister Dobrindt asserted that "police investigations, patterns of the crime, and intelligence findings substantiate Russian responsibility for the attempted attack." He emphasized that Leipzig is not an isolated incident but part of a broader context of hybrid actions, and warned that Germany should expect further hybrid attacks from Russia.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz had promised over the weekend that a formal response would be made public in the coming days, suggesting that Germany's allies in the EU and NATO would "not be surprised." EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said it was "clear" that Russia was involved but declined to comment further until Germany identified those responsible. She noted Russia's increasing provocations and questioned how to deter Moscow from further escalation.
Dobrindt insisted that Germany is "not at war" but is a "daily target of hybrid warfare." Consequently, Germany will respond to the hybrid attack in Leipzig in a "proportionate and measured, yet resolute manner." The incident underscores the growing threat of hybrid warfare against European infrastructure and the need for a coordinated response.
Source: www.dw.com