Germany Directly Blames Russia For Attempted Drone Attack At Airport. EU Anticipates ‘Clear Response’

Germany is directly blaming Russia for an act of sabotage in the Leipzig airport last month.

"The attempted attack at Leipzig Airport on 4 August fits the established pattern of Russian hybrid operations in Europe," said Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt on Tuesday.

He went on to say that, as a result of the investigation, the country concluded that "Russia is responsible for the hybrid attack," adding that Berlin expects further attacks of the kind.

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul added that the country will close the Russian consulate in Bonn and the Russian House in Berlin. He added that the country will push for stronger sanctions against Moscow.

Top European officials quickly came out to support Germany. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said the "evidence is clear" regarding the attack and he welcomes the measures.

"Nato will continue to strengthen our ability to deter and defend all Allies against any threat – including malign actions like those seen in Leipzig and elsewhere across the Alliance," Rutte said.

"Russia's attempts to intimidate us, to undermine our unity and our willingness to support Ukraine are futile and will fail. Our support to Ukraine is unwavering, as is our ironclad commitment to Nato's collective defence," he added.

European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said she talked with German Chancellor Fredrick Merz and "assured him that the EU stands in full solidarity with Germany in the face of this attack by Russia."

"We are united in our resolve to stand against Russian aggression. We will deter anyone who seeks to undermine our freedom and security. Russia is seeking to sow distrust and fear among our societies. But it will fail. And we will stand by Ukraine for as long as it takes," she added.

Moreover, Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski said EU foreign ministers will discuss further steps on Wednesday.

"Poland stands foursquare behind every ally attacked by Russia's hybrid war. In this case, full solidarity with Germany. Looking forward to discussing collective countermeasures at the Gymnich meeting in Ireland tonight and tomorrow," he added.

Russia reacted to the development, with the Foreign Ministry telling Interfax that Moscow "will respond to all anti-Russian actions."

A recent report detailed that NATO countries have been expressing concern about the possibility that Russia could escalate tensions in Europe.

Reuters detailed last month that Lithuania, Poland, Latvia and Estonia have made claims of that nature. The former said Moscow is considering the stage attack and the other three warned of acts of sabotage.

"We are not naive, we see the information, we read between the lines and we are doing our homework," Lithuanian Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas told the outlet.

"We are increasing the security of our critical infrastructure, we constantly exchange information with our intelligence on what to do next," he added.

The outlet went on to note that Lithuania sent a military unit to back up riot police and secure its liquefied natural gas import terminal, one for oil products, a key power link with Poland and a hydro plant. "We are clearly signaling that, if needed, we will be defending ourselves", Kaunas said.