The German government has now directly attributed last month's attempted drone attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport to Russia, claiming it has evidence linking the operation to Russian state agencies.
As Germany is a NATO member state, it has the option of seeking support from fellow alliance members for its defence.
The development marks a significant escalation, as it is the first time Germany has officially confirmed that Russia is conducting covert operations against European countries.
Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said on Tuesday that the findings of investigations carried out by police and intelligence services, combined with the method of operation, lead authorities to conclude that those behind the attempted attack were acting on Russia's behalf.
According to Berlin, the incident was not an isolated event but forms part of a broader pattern of Russian hybrid operations across Europe.
The incident occurred in early August when a drone carrying explosive material was detected at Leipzig Airport, near a Ukrainian cargo aircraft.
German authorities succeeded in neutralising the device, after which an investigation was launched into its origin and those responsible.
The choice of Leipzig is considered particularly significant because the airport serves as a major hub for the transportation of military equipment to Ukraine and hosts activities linked to the Ukrainian armed forces and NATO allies.
Germany announces measures against Russia
Berlin simultaneously announced a series of measures against Russia.
Among them are:
- The closure of the Russian Consulate in Bonn.
- The termination of operations at the Russian House cultural centre in Berlin.
- Support for additional European sanctions and stricter controls.
Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul stressed that Germany does not regard the Leipzig case as an isolated incident but rather as part of a wider campaign of Russian hybrid activities in Europe.
Moscow rejects the accusations
Moscow has rejected the German allegations, describing them as unfounded and warning that it will respond to the measures announced by Berlin.
Russia will respond to Germany's "anti-Russian actions", Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said on Tuesday, according to the Interfax news agency, after Berlin accused Moscow of involvement in the attempted drone attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport.
Earlier, Germany announced a series of measures in response to the incident, including the closure of the Russian cultural centre in Berlin and the Russian consulate in Bonn.
EU backs Berlin
This morning I spoke with Chancellor Merz to discuss the hybrid attack at Leipzig airport.
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) September 1, 2026
I assured him that the EU stands in full solidarity with Germany in the face of this attack by Russia.
We will keep the EU united despite these escalating and serious acts. The German…
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed the European Union's full solidarity with Germany following Berlin's attribution of responsibility to Russia for the Leipzig airport attack.
"Hybrid attacks will not go without a clear response," she said,
stressing that the EU remains united in the face of Russian aggression.
Von der Leyen warned that Moscow is attempting to spread distrust and fear within European societies but said:
"It will fail."
She also reiterated the EU's commitment to supporting Ukraine.
At the same time, she announced that she would discuss the matter with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in order to coordinate the European and NATO response and prepare additional sanctions.
