The German government officially held Russia responsible this Tuesday for the attempted drone attack loaded with explosives against Leipzig/Halle airport, one of the main logistics centers in Germany and a key infrastructure for transporting material to Ukraine. Berlin considers that the attack, which failed because the device did not explode, is part of the hybrid warfare campaign that Moscow is conducting on European territory.
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The Interior Minister, Alexander Dobrindt, announced the conclusion of the investigations during a joint appearance in Berlin with the Foreign Minister, Johann Wadephul. According to Dobrindt, the results of the police investigation, the modus operandi and the information obtained by the Intelligence services allow the German government to attribute the attempted attack to Russia.
The incident occurred on the night of August 4 to 5 at Leipzig/Halle airport. One of the unmanned aircraft, equipped with explosives and a detonator, appeared in the airport security zone, near Ukrainian cargo planes. Among the parked aircraft were Antonov An-124s used for transporting goods and material. The explosive did not detonate and was later deactivated.
The seriousness of the episode also lies in the strategic nature of the airport. Leipzig/Halle is one of the major European air cargo centers and participates in logistical operations linked to NATO and support for Ukraine. For the German authorities, the target of the attack was therefore much more than a civilian infrastructure.
Until now, Berlin had avoided directly pointing to Moscow. Dobrindt had limited himself to speaking of a “new scenario of attacks” and hybrid actions promoted by “foreign powers,” while investigations continued. Chancellor Friedrich Merz had indicated on Sunday that the inquiries were practically concluded and that Germany was preparing a coordinated response with its allies.
The accusation represents a new escalation in the already deteriorated relations between Berlin and Moscow. Wadephul had anticipated that Germany would respond in a “balanced and measured” manner, but making it clear that the government was not willing to accept attacks on German infrastructure as part of a supposed gray zone between peace and war.
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The diplomatic response is also immediate. Germany has announced the closure of the Russian consulate in Bonn as of September 18 and the termination of the agreement allowing the operation of the Russian House (Russisches Haus) in Berlin, one of the main instruments of Russian cultural presence in Germany.
Moscow has so far rejected any responsibility for the incident. The Kremlin and Russian authorities have repeatedly denied Western accusations of sabotage operations in Europe and have presented them as attempts to fuel an anti-Russian campaign.
The Leipzig case is part of a series of incidents that European security services have been investigating since the beginning of the invasion of Ukraine: fires, sabotage, cyberattacks, incendiary packages, and drone flights over military facilities and other critical infrastructure. Germany already suspected a Russian operation after a fire recorded at the same Leipzig/Halle airport in 2024.
For his part, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said this Tuesday that the Alliance will continue strengthening its capacity “to deter and defend all allies against any threat, including malicious actions like those observed in Leipzig.”
