Tensions between Germany and Russia rise sharply following to the explosive drone attack at Leipzig Airport on August 4, for which a month later Berlin yesterday officially attributed responsibility to Moscow and speaks of a new front in the hybrid war against Europe.
The accusation was made by German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt during a press conference together with Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul: “Russia bears responsibility for the hybrid attack in Leipzig on August 4th”Dobrindt explained that the German government's conclusion is based on the police investigation, the operational modalities of the attack, and intelligence information. "We are not at war, but we are subjected to hybrid attacks on a daily basis," he added.
According to Berlin, the drone's configuration, the components used, the detonation technology, and the explosives all reveal elements already linked to other Russian operations. German authorities also believe that the perpetrators may have been recruited online. to carry out sabotage activities.
Germany's response: Russian consulate in Bonn closed
Germany has decided to react on the diplomatic level. Wadephul announced the closure of the Russian Consulate General in Bonn, scheduled for September 18, and the termination of the contract of the Russian House in Berlin, a cultural center linked to the Russian presence in Germany.
“The German consulate in Russia has been closed since September 18. The Russian House's contract is terminated"We will tighten controls on people," the minister declared. Wadephul also announced new measures against Russian citizens in the European Union and increased pressure on the so-called Russian shadow fleet. The Russian ambassador in Berlin has been summoned.
Already in the previous hours the minister had warned Moscow: “Russia must know that Germany is a factor of stability in Europe and that it is always ready to negotiate, but that it will not allow itself to be intimidated in any way." And again: "On our side there is no disproportionate reaction, but a reaction if we are attacked."
Europe sides with Berlin: "We will respond."
The German complaint prompted an immediate reaction from European institutions. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reported having spoken with Chancellor Friedrich Merz, assuring the Union's support. "This morning I spoke with Chancellor Merz to discuss the hybrid attack at Leipzig Airport. I assured him that the EU stands in full solidarity with Germany in the face of this attack from Russia."
Von der Leyen then stressed: "We will keep the EU united despite these serious and increasingly intense acts." And she warned: “Hybrid attacks will not go without a clear response”According to the Commission President, Moscow "is trying to sow distrust and fear in our societies", but "it will fail".
Meloni: "The safety of our allies is our safety."
Italy also unhesitatingly sides with Germany. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni She expressed "full solidarity" with Berlin and reiterated that a hybrid attack against an allied country concerns the entire European and Atlantic community. "Italy expresses its full solidarity with Germany following the Russian hybrid attack in Leipzig. The safety of our allies is the safety of us all," Meloni wrote.
The Prime Minister then added: "Attempts to intimidate us or create divisions among allies will not succeed: hybrid actions against any of us are a cause for concern for everyone and will be met with a united response." She concluded: "In times like this, it is essential to remain firm, to continue to collaborate closely and maintain a credible deterrent posture to protect the safety of our citizens."
Rutte: "NATO will defend all its allies."
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte spoke to Merz and called the evidence gathered by Germany “unequivocal.”NATO stands in full solidarity with Germany after the Russian hybrid attack in Leipzig. The evidence is unequivocal,” Rutte wrote, welcoming the measures announced by Berlin.
The Secretary General of the Alliance then reiterated that NATO will continue to strengthen its capacity to "deter and defend all Allies from any threat", including hybrid actions. "Russian attempts to intimidate us, to undermine our unity and willingness to support Ukraine are futile and will fail."
Moscow's response: "We will react to the consulate's closure."
An equally harsh response came from Moscow. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, rejected the German accusations and announced a response to Berlin's decisions. "Germany will receive an appropriate response to its decision to close the Russian House in Berlin and the Russian Consulate General in Bonn," he declared.
Zakharova then added: "Both the Russian House and our consulate general in Bonn have long been persecuting the ruling elite. Now they've invented a pretext. Well, they'll get an appropriate response." The diplomatic clash thus enters a new phase, while Berlin, Brussels and NATO are trying to present a coordinated responseLeipzig becomes the symbol of a threat that, according to European governments, is fought not only on the battlefield, but also through sabotage, drones, disinformation, and clandestine operations.
Zelensky's announcement: "Russian airspace is no longer safe for civil aviation."
As if that weren't enough, a harsh statement also came from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky: "It is from Russia that the first missiles and drones arrived, and they crossed the border of our country from Russian airspace. This escalation cannot and will not remain confined to Ukrainian territory. Today We want to notify every airline who uses Russian airspace, every insurer and anyone who still uses Russia's main airports: Russian airspace is becoming completely unsafeUkraine doesn't threaten civil aviation as such—not a single civilian aircraft. There will simply be drones in Russia's skies on a scale that must be taken into account."
