Intelligence, drones and air defence: Germany steps up military support for Ukraine after Russian attack in Leipzig

The German government plans to increase military support for Ukraine after Berlin concluded that Russia was responsible for the drone incident at Leipzig/Halle Airport. In particular, Berlin aims to strengthen cooperation between German and Ukrainian intelligence services.

Source: Der Spiegel, citing sources, as reported by European Pravda

Details: According to the outlet's sources, Germany also plans to supply Ukraine with thousands of attack drones and missiles for IRIS-T air defence systems in September.

Der Spiegel reports that the government is considering providing further assistance to Ukraine in obtaining target coordinates for counterattacks against Russia.

More broadly, Germany's intelligence services are expected to be granted greater powers. The Bundestag is due to pass legislation on the intelligence services this autumn that would allow them to take "active measures" to counter attacks.

This would allow agents of Germany's Federal Intelligence Service (BND) to infiltrate attackers' computers and servers and delete stolen data. They would also be authorised to interfere with supply chains, including by replacing components in shipments destined for hostile states. In cases of particularly serious threats, BND agents could even hack IT systems at facilities such as drone manufacturing plants or chemical weapons laboratories to sabotage production.

Meanwhile, the German government intends to increase pressure on Russia. In addition to measures already announced – the closure of the Russian Consulate General in Bonn and the Russian House in Berlin – Germany aims to push for tougher sanctions at the EU level. These would include increasing pressure on Russia's shadow fleet, introducing new restrictive measures and tightening controls on the entry of Russian citizens into the EU.

Background:

• During an informal meeting of EU foreign ministers in Wicklow on 2 September, ministers resumed discussions on banning former Russian combatants from entering the European Union, with the proposal receiving broad support.
• German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul called on the European Union to impose new sanctions on Russia after Berlin accused Moscow of carrying out a hybrid drone attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport.

Subscribe on Patreon to back our journalism long-term.