1 hr ago
Germany Blames Russia for Leipzig Drone Attack, Europe Responds
German officials say someone tried to attack Leipzig/Halle Airport with a drone last month.
Germany concluded that Russian operatives were responsible.
Berlin responded by ordering a Russian consulate and cultural centre to close.
The German government expects Moscow to respond with its own measures.
European Union leaders called the incident a serious escalation.
Ursula von der Leyen said the drone used military-grade material and could have caused deaths.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said Russia was becoming more reckless.
European leaders say they plan to keep increasing pressure on Russia.
Germany said Russia was responsible for an attempted drone attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport last month.
Berlin ordered the closure of a Russian consulate and cultural centre in response.
The German government expects Moscow to take retaliatory measures and says it is prepared.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called the incident a new escalation on European Union soil.
Von der Leyen and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said Europe should increase pressure on Russia.
- Who
- The German government attributed the incident to Russia; the European Union and NATO also commented on it.
- What
- An attempted drone attack on Leipzig/Halle Airport was blamed by Germany on Russia, prompting German countermeasures.
- Where
- Leipzig/Halle Airport in Germany, on European Union soil.
- When
- The attempted attack occurred last month; Germany announced its attribution and measures on Tuesday, followed by comments on Wednesday.
- Why
- Germany said it was responding to the alleged attack, while European Union and NATO leaders said the incident demonstrated an escalating pattern and warranted greater pressure on Russia.
Key facts
- Incident
- Attempted drone attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport
- Attribution
- Germany said it concluded that Russia was responsible
- German response
- Berlin ordered the closure of a Russian consulate and cultural centre in Germany
- Expected retaliation
- The German government expects Moscow to respond with measures
- European Union assessment
- Ursula von der Leyen called it a new escalation on European Union soil
- Potential impact
- Von der Leyen said the attack could have caused loss of life if successful
- Military material
- Von der Leyen described the equipment as military grade
Quotes
German government spokesperson
Spokesperson for the German government discussing the expected Russian response
“At the same time, we assume that the Kremlin has understood yesterday's message loud and clear. These hybrid attacks will not achieve their political objective.”
telegraphindia.com
“This was an attack using military grade material, carried out by Russian operatives on European Union soil.”
telegraphindia.com









