Germany blames Russia for Leipzig drone attack

Germany formally accused Russia of orchestrating an attempted drone attack at Germany — Leipzig/Halle Airport on August 4, 2026. An explosives-laden drone was found near Ukrainian cargo planes and defused. German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt cited police investigations, attack patterns, and intelligence findings as proof of Russian responsibility, calling it a 'hybrid attack.' Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul announced retaliatory measures: closing the Russian consulate in Bonn, terminating the Russia — Russian House of Science and Culture cultural center's lease in Berlin, tightening entry controls for Russian nationals, proposing additional EU sanctions, and increasing pressure on Russia's shadow fleet. Russia denied involvement, with President Vladimir Putin calling the evidence 'planted' and vowing a 'mirror-image' response. The EU and NATO expressed solidarity with Germany, with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas labeling the incident 'state-sponsored terrorism.' The EU prepared further sanctions, and several member states summoned Russian envoys. The incident heightened concerns over Russian hybrid warfare across European Union — Europe, especially as Germany faced new suspected sabotage at power infrastructure and ahead of a state election in Germany — Saxony-Anhalt where the far-right AfD is polling strongly.