EU Calls Leipzig Drone Attack State-Sponsored Terrorism, Germany Blames Russia

The European Union's foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, stated on Wednesday that the attempted drone attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport in Germany had all the hallmarks of state-sponsored terrorism.

Kallas added that Europe needs to coordinate on further actions given the escalation of Russia's attacks on Ukraine. European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen vowed to increase pressure on Russia, stating that Leipzig marks a new escalation on European Union soil directly attributed to Russia. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte affirmed the alliance's full solidarity with Germany.

Germany blamed Moscow for the attempted drone attack last month at Leipzig/Halle Airport, characterizing it as part of hybrid warfare. Airport workers found a drone laden with explosives and a detonator at the airport on August 4, near an Ukrainian Antonov An-124 cargo plane. The drone was defused by a robot. A second drone reportedly collided with another cargo plane, and a third was found 10 days later.

German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt stated that the drone's configuration, components, explosives, and detonator are known to them from other Russian hybrid operations. Dobrindt said intelligence points to people being involved who acted on behalf of Russian state entities. Germany announced measures in response, including closing the Russian consulate in Bonn and terminating the lease of the Russian House cultural institution in Berlin.

Germany also summoned Russian Ambassador Sergei Nechaev to its Foreign Ministry. Russia denies involvement in the Leipzig incident, with its foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova calling the accusations entirely fabricated and promising a fitting response. Russia summoned Germany's chargé d'affaires in Moscow, Bernd Finke, on September 2. Russian President Vladimir Putin dismissed Berlin's allegations, claiming Germany's government wants to distract from its own failings and that any proof offered has been planted.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy offered Germany Ukraine's expertise and experience to counter Russian sabotage. Sweden convened its National Security Council in response to Germany's statement, with Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson stating the events should be regarded as part of Russia's increasingly active hybrid actions.