Germany officially holds Russia responsible for drone attack at Leipzig Airport

German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt and Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul held a press conference in Berlin regarding the findings of the investigation into the drone attack that took place at Leipzig Airport at the beginning of August. At the press conference, German officials explicitly and clearly blamed Russia for the first time regarding the discovery of a drone loaded with explosives on the wing of a Ukrainian-owned Antonov cargo plane used to transport weapons to Ukraine on August 4. During the press conference, the ministers announced that all findings indicate that the technical knowledge and equipment required for the planned attack were provided by Russia, and that "low-level agents" were tasked with carrying out the attack.

At the press conference, Foreign Minister Wadephul stated that a series of sanctions would be imposed on Russia, saying, "We will provide a measured, proportionate, and at the same time, decisive response to this hybrid attack in Leipzig." Wadephul added, "We are not at war, but every day, we are the target of hybrid warfare."

Stating that Berlin is saddened by the fact that relations with Moscow are in an extremely poor state, the German minister said, "Russia's dangerous act is part of its attempts at destabilization, disinformation, threats, sabotage, and aggression."

Wadephul said that at the time the statement was made, the Russian Ambassador had been summoned to the Foreign Ministry to be informed about the measures to be implemented. Wadephul also announced that Russia's consulate in Bonn would be closed in the coming days and that the Russian House, a Russian cultural and scientific institution in Berlin, would be evicted from the building it rents. Explaining that Germany would also increase pressure on Russia's Shadow Fleet, Wadephul added that new sanction lists would be prepared and border controls for Russian citizens entering Germany would be tightened.

The German minister also stated that NATO and partners in Europe had been informed about the investigation into the incident and that a consensus had been reached on the steps to be taken against Russia.

Russia described the accusations as an "absurd and baseless provocation"

The Russian Embassy in Germany described the accusations that Russia was responsible for the events at Leipzig Airport as an "absurd and baseless provocation."

The Embassy argued that these accusations would benefit Ukraine, the militarist wing of the political elite in Europe, and arms manufacturers. In a statement released by the Embassy, it was said, "The Russian Ambassador categorically rejects the accusations leveled by Berlin on the grounds that they are baseless, absurd, and contrary to common sense."

The statement further added, "The Ambassador emphasized that the measures announced by the German side represent an unprecedented escalation in Russia-Germany relations and will not remain without consequences. He also stated that the entire responsibility for this will lie with the German government."

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova said that they would respond to Berlin's "steps against Russia."

News Source: 12punto