Germany Accuses Kremlin of Drone Attack on Leipzig Airport, Shuts Down Russian Consulate

Germany has accused the Kremlin of orchestrating a drone attack on Leipzig Airport and announced a series of retaliatory measures, including the closure of Russia's consulate general and the termination of an agreement covering the Russian House in Berlin. The announcement was made by German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt.

"The attack in Leipzig shows that Russia intends to keep damaging our already strained bilateral relations," the minister said. According to him, Germany is responding to the Russian hybrid attack with a comprehensive package of measures: in addition to shutting the consulate and scrapping the agreement on the Russian House in the capital, the country will push for new sanctions against those involved in the attacks.

"I have ordered the Russian ambassador to be summoned, and this is happening right now," Dobrindt said. He added that Germany will also step up checks on Russian nationals, increase pressure on Russia's shadow fleet, and coordinate closely with NATO to strengthen defense capabilities and deter Russia from further attacks.

EU and NATO reaction

"Civilian and military support for Ukraine will continue. At the same time, we will support further cooperation at the intelligence services level," the minister added.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte expressed solidarity with Germany and condemned the Russian hybrid attack. Writing on X, von der Leyen stressed that the European Union will remain united and give a clear response to such actions.

"This morning I spoke with Chancellor Merz about the hybrid attack on Leipzig Airport," she wrote, adding that Russia is trying to sow distrust and fear among European countries, but that these attempts will not succeed. She said the EU will continue to support Ukraine, and that she plans to discuss the attack with the NATO Secretary General on Wednesday as well.

Around Prague, based on reporting by novinky.cz