Germany announces response to Russia following Leipzig drone incident

Ulyana Krychkovska-Bogdanova, Tetyana Oliynyk - 1 September, 20:01

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul. Photo: Getty Images

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has announced measures in response to last month's Russian hybrid attack involving a drone carrying explosives near a Ukrainian cargo aircraft at Leipzig/Halle Airport.

Source: European Pravda, citing Wadephul in Handelsblatt

Details: After German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said that Russia was responsible for the drone incident, Wadephul noted that relations with Moscow continued to deteriorate.

He said that Germany was therefore taking measures against Russia and coordinating its actions with its EU and NATO partners.

In response to the incident, Wadephul announced that the Russian Consulate General in Bonn and the Russian House in Berlin would be closed and that additional individuals would be added to EU sanctions lists. The Russian ambassador will also be summoned in connection with the measures.

This will leave the Russian Embassy in Berlin as Moscow's only diplomatic mission in Germany.

Wadephul added that border controls for Russian nationals would be tightened and that pressure on Russia's shadow fleet would continue.

Background:

On 4 August, a drone carrying explosives was discovered near a Ukrainian Antonov cargo aircraft at Leipzig/Halle Airport. The aircraft was being used to transport military cargo.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said on Tuesday that Germany would respond in a measured manner to the discovery of a drone carrying explosives near a Ukrainian cargo aircraft at Leipzig/Halle Airport.

Your support on Patreon helps us keep the news free and accessible.