Putin links Leipzig airport drone incident to crisis in Germany

- 2 September, 05:18
Vladimir Putin. Photo: Getty Images

Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin has linked a drone incident at Leipzig/Halle Airport in early August to Germany's domestic political crisis.

Source: Putin speaking at a press conference following the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Bishkek, as reported by RIA Novosti, a Kremlin-aligned Russian news agency

Quote: "As regards the actions of the German authorities, this is primarily connected with domestic political processes. Businesses are closing and jobs are being lost. It is unclear why all this is being done. There is only one explanation: the need to confront an aggressive Russia. But where is the evidence?"

Background:

  • Commenting on Germany's decision to close the cultural centre and the Russian Consulate General, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said that the country would receive a "worthy response". 
  • 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.
  • On 1 September, German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said that Russia was responsible for the incident involving a drone carrying explosives near a Ukrainian cargo aircraft at Leipzig/Halle Airport last month.

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