Germany links Russia to Leipzig airport drone plot as Kremlin warns of retaliation

German investigators have identified two suspects linked to an August 4 attempted drone strike targeting Ukrainian cargo aircraft at Leipzig/Halle airport, according to joint investigative reporting by German media outlets NDR, WDR, and Süddeutsche Zeitung. Intelligence findings tied the incident—which involved explosive-laden drones—to a broader pattern of state-backed Russian hybrid operations across Europe.

In response, Berlin announced punitive diplomatic measures, ordering the closure of Russia's consulate in Bonn and the Russian House cultural center in Berlin. German officials stated that the foiled attack directly aligns with Moscow's ongoing sabotage campaign against European infrastructure.

Moscow firmly rejected the allegations. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov accused Germany of taking a "path of further escalation" and warned that Russia would introduce reciprocal countermeasures against German diplomatic interests.

Sources: Liga net, Mediazona, NV, Радіо Свобода, Українська правда