Germany has announced a package of diplomatic and security measures against Russia after concluding that Moscow was responsible for an explosive-laden drone discovered at Leipzig/Halle Airport in August.
Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said Berlin regarded the incident as part of a wider pattern of hostile hybrid activity directed against Germany and other European countries.
The German government said the measures would include closure of the Russian Consulate General in Bonn from September 18, termination of the lease for the Russian House in Berlin and proposals for additional European Union sanctions against individuals linked to hybrid operations.
Germany also plans tighter immigration controls for Russian nationals, stronger action against Russia’s so-called shadow fleet and additional intelligence-related measures.
The government said the Russian ambassador would be summoned and formally notified of Berlin’s position.
Wadephul accused Russia of using disinformation, sabotage, threats and other activities intended to weaken European security.
He said Germany still supported a future in which peaceful relations with Russia could be restored, but argued that Moscow had shown little willingness to reduce tensions.
The immediate incident occurred on August 4, when an explosive-laden drone was found near a Ukrainian cargo aircraft at Leipzig/Halle Airport.
The device was defused and airport operations were temporarily disrupted while authorities responded.
German authorities initially investigated without publicly assigning responsibility.
Berlin said subsequent police and intelligence assessments led it to attribute the incident to Russia.
That attribution is the position of the German government.
Russia has denied responsibility and described the accusation as unfounded.
Leipzig/Halle is one of Germany’s major cargo hubs and has strategic significance for European logistics.
The airport has also handled Ukrainian cargo aircraft, making any deliberate disruption potentially significant.
Germany said it would continue coordinating its response with NATO and European Union partners while maintaining military and civilian support for Ukraine. The latest measures further deepen already strained German-Russian relations following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine
