Italian leaders back Germany following Russian drone sabotage investigation

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed solidarity with Germany following official findings linking Moscow to explosive drone attacks at Leipzig airport on 4 August. Meloni emphasized that hybrid threats targeting an ally endanger the entire European bloc, reinforcing calls from NATO and European Union leaders for a coordinated defensive posture.

The German investigation concluded that Russian operatives targeted both Ukrainian military cargo and commercial freight aircraft. In response, Berlin announced retaliatory diplomatic measures, including closing the Russian Consulate General in Bonn by 18 September and revoking the lease for the Russian House in Berlin.

Additionally, concerns have emerged regarding regional security gaps, with Italian media noting that Rome granted nearly 50,000 visas to citizens of Russian-ally Belarus while rejecting only 200 applications.

Sources: Corriere della Sera, Il Messaggero, ANSA, La Repubblica, Il Sole 24 Ore.