Germany's foreign minister outlines response to drone incident in Leipzig
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has promised a measured response after a drone carrying explosives was discovered near a Ukrainian cargo aircraft at Leipzig/Halle airport last month.
Source: German news agency dpa, as reported by European Pravda
Details: Berlin has not officially identified who it believes was behind the 4 August incident, although there has been widespread speculation that Russia was responsible.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz previously promised a decisive response, saying it is being coordinated with NATO and EU allies.
During his visit to Algeria, Wadephul was asked whether Berlin should be concerned about a possible response from Moscow to any potential measures.
He said Berlin would not overreact but would respond "when we are attacked".
"Germany will not be intimidated in any way, and that will continue to be the fundamental stance of our policy," Wadephul said.
The minister added that Germany stands "side by side with our Ukrainian partner".
"Russia must know that Germany is a stabilising force in Europe, one that is always prepared to negotiate but which will not be intimidated in any way," he concluded.
Background:
- German tabloid Bild previously reported that Berlin is expected to publicly announce soon that Russian secret services were involved in the Leipzig incident.
- On 4 August, a drone carrying explosives was discovered at Leipzig/Halle airport near a Ukrainian Antonov cargo aircraft used to transport military supplies.
- US intelligence has linked the incident to Russia, while the Russian embassy in Berlin called the Leipzig incident a fabricated provocation.
Your support on Patreon helps us keep the news free and accessible.
