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Germany Accuses Russia in Leipzig Drone Attack, Orders Retaliation

Germany Accuses Russia in Leipzig Drone Attack, Orders Retaliation
Germany accuses Russia of Leipzig drone attack, orders diplomatic retaliation · firstpost.com

Germany says Russia was behind a drone incident near Leipzig Airport.

The drone was found with explosives and an ignition system on August 4.

German officials believe the operation may have been carried out by low-level agents.

They say the incident is part of wider hybrid attacks, which are actions meant to cause trouble without a traditional war.

Germany plans to close a Russian consulate in Bonn and take other diplomatic steps.

It also wants tighter entry controls for Russian citizens and more European sanctions.

Several European countries, the European Union and NATO supported Germany.

Russia says the accusation is absurd and warned that Germany’s actions will have consequences.

Key facts

Suspected perpetrator
Russia, according to the German government; Moscow rejects the accusation.
Incident date
August 4
Incident location
Near Leipzig Airport, eastern Germany
Device
A drone carrying explosives and an ignition system
Main German measures
Closing Russia’s consulate in Bonn, ending the Russian House cultural centre’s contract and tightening entry controls for Russian nationals
International response
The European Union, NATO, Britain, France, Poland, Spain and Sweden backed Germany or expressed solidarity.
Russian response
Vladimir Putin called the sanctions a serious mistake, while the Russian embassy called the accusations unsubstantiated and absurd.

Quotes

Alexander Dobrindt

Germany’s interior minister

“We do not view the Leipzig incident in isolation, but rather see it in the context of other hybrid actions. We assume that Germany is the target of further hybrid attacks by Russia.”
firstpost.com
“The government concludes that Russia is responsible for the hybrid attack in Leipzig on August 4.”
firstpost.com

Sources

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