The investigation into last month’s explosion at the Leipzig Airport in Germany has pushed further strains in German-Russian ties after Berlin accused Russia of planning to launch “hybrid attacks” against European nations, adding that the situation is no longer an isolated case and calling for Germany to gear up its defenses for potential attacks in the future.
The month-long probe into the drone explosion at the Leipzig-Halle Airport on August 4 concluded on a note alleging that the Russian government attempted to target a Ukrainian cargo aircraft while another civilian cargo aircraft was hit by a second drone.
The report was revealed by German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt, who called the incident part of a “hybrid operation” orchestrated by Russia as its war with Ukraine nears its fifth year.
He said that details from the investigation led to agents allegedly working with the Russian government and deploying explosives-equipped drones that could have caused further chaos in the airport had they been successful.
He added that patterns of offences and intelligence reports have also made Germany’s claims of an attack from Russia even stronger.
The issue has prompted Berlin to summon Russia’s ambassador to discuss the presence of Russian-made drones in Leipzig-Halle Airport, especially after a third drone was just discovered last week in the same area.
Russia hits back
Russia was swift in denying the claims of the German government, saying that the conclusion of the investigation was meant to frame Moscow and promote further Russophobic ideologies as the war in Ukraine rages on.
During his attendance at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization hosted by Kyrgyzstan, Russian President Vladimir Putin said evidence was planted by German authorities to rake in domestic sympathies for the administration of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz amid his unpopularity.
Moreover, Russia has declared the permanent closure of Goethe-Institut cultural centers to cease representation of German culture in Russian territories.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said the move was a tit-for-tat against Germany’s decision to close a Russian consulate in the German city of Bonn and a Russian cultural center in Berlin.
EU says Russia’s new normal is being reckless
Meanwhile, the European Union (EU) released a statement expressing its support for Germany and hinted at further pressure against Russia as its drones have been frequently crossing European territories.
Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that the bloc’s solidarity remains strong with the German and European communities affected by the escalation launched by the Russian military.
She added that the European people will remain united in deterring all forms of aggression from Russia.
As for EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas said that another batch of sanctions is being discussed within the bloc to further isolate and cripple Russia from funding its war against Ukraine.
She said that among the targets of the supposed new sanctions are at least 1,600 individuals connected to the Russian military.
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