Germany Took Diplomatic Measures Against Russia Over An Attempted Act Of Sabotage. Moscow Is Retaliating.

Russia will shut down cultural centers belonging to Germany's Goethe-Institut in several cities after Berlin accused Moscow of an attempted drone attack at the Lepzig airport and took diplomatic measures.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said any other response would show a lack of "self-respect" on the country's end, claiming that the decision will be the end of Berlin's "cultural presence in Russia."

Tensions between Russia and European countries escalated further this week after Germany announced that an attempted attack at Leipzig Airport in early August "fits the established pattern of Russian hybrid operations in Europe."

Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt added that, as a result of the investigation, the country concluded that "Russia is responsible for the hybrid attack" and expects further attacks of the kind. Officials announced the closing of the Russian consulate in Bonn and the Russian House in Berlin.

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.

European ministers discussed ways to respond to attempted drone attacks on Wednesday, but did not come up with clear solutions. "It is clear that it has all the hallmarks of state-sponsored terrorism. The question is: what do we do about this," EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas told press. More sanctions, visa restrictions and the shutting down of Russian consulates were also considered.