German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul announced Tuesday that Russia’s consulate in Bonn will be closed and the contract for the Russian House cultural center in Berlin terminated. The decision follows a forensic investigation that tied Moscow to a failed drone sabotage attempt at Leipzig/Halle Airport on Aug. 4.
Drone incident and evidence
Authorities discovered a drone carrying an explosive device beside a Ukrainian Antonov cargo aircraft at the Leipzig/Halle hub, one of Europe’s largest cargo facilities and a key logistics point for Germany’s military and NATO allies. The device did not detonate because of a faulty detonator. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said intelligence and forensic findings point to Russia, describing the act as part of a “well‑established pattern of Russian hybrid operations in Europe.” He also suggested a second drone may have collided with another cargo plane.
German response
In addition to shuttering the Bonn consulate, Wadephul announced tighter entry restrictions for Russian nationals and new measures targeting Russia’s shadow fleet. He summoned Russia’s ambassador to Germany, Sergei Nechayev, for a meeting.
The move marks Germany’s first public attribution of responsibility for the airport attack; previously Berlin had only hinted that “foreign powers” might be involved. U.S. media had reported that American officials also believed Russia was behind the incident.
International reaction
NATO Secretary‑General Mark Rutte praised Germany’s findings, tweeting that the alliance stands in full solidarity with Berlin. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the EU is preparing additional sanctions against Russia, while Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk accused Moscow of escalating regional tensions.
Broader security concerns
Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned that Germany faces an increasing campaign of hybrid threats targeting military, transportation and critical infrastructure, and vowed that those responsible will “pay a price.” German police also reported investigating improvised explosive and incendiary devices found at a power substation in Brandenburg after a damaged power line caused a temporary outage. No group has yet claimed responsibility for those devices.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
