NewsWorld newsNatoNATO has come out in support of Germany, firmly blaming Russia for planting an explosive drone next to a Ukrainian plane at Leipzig Airport last month, as West-Moscow tensions worsen18:28, 01 Sep 2026Updated 18:28, 01 Sep 2026Russian plotters have been blamed for a potentially deadly drone attack on an east German airport last month.‌German authorities accused Moscow of trying to attack the Leipzig facility, triggering fears over Russia’s spiralling aggression. NATO chief Mark Rutte pledged “full solidarity with Germany” as the EU echoed support for the bloc in defending against the Russian threat.‌Local authorities found the drone close to a Ukrainian plane at the airport on August 4, calling in bomb experts to defuse it and closing nearby runways. German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt at the time pointed the finger at the Kremlin, saying the attempted sabotage fitted a pattern of "Russian hybrid operations”. But on Tuesday he said the German government confirmed that it now "comes to the conclusion that Russia is responsible for the hybrid attack in Leipzig”.‌Mr Dobrindt also added that "we assume that Germany is ⁠the target of further hybrid attacks by Russia". He added: "We do not view the Leipzig incident in isolation, but rather see it in the context of other hybrid actions.” Foreign minister Johann Wadephul said that the Russian consulate in Bonn will be closed on September 18 and said he had summoned the Russian ambassador.The announcement marks a major blow to rising tensions between NATO and Russia amid fears the Kremlin is plotting attacks on eastern Europe. NATO head Rutte said: "NATO will continue to strengthen our ability to deter and defend all Allies against any threat — including malign actions like those seen in Leipzig and elsewhere across the Alliance.”‌And EU chief Ursula von der Leyen added: "We are united in our resolve to stand against Russian aggression. We will deter anyone who seeks to undermine our freedom and security.” Confirmation of Germany’s suspicion Russia had attempted a sabotage mission on NATO soil comes at a time of rising tension with the Kremlin. Russian President Vladimir Putin is, according to reports, increasingly worried about his safety over his disastrous war in Ukraine.And he is increasingly frustrated by NATO support for Ukraine defending against his full-scale invasion of Ukraine. It is believed that US air military facilities across the UK are also under threat, as are weapons manufacturers linked to UK support for Kyiv.US heavy bombers and fighter jets have been housed in the UK throughout the Cold War period and have left the UK for the Middle East to take part in the American war on Iran.Iran has supplied weapons to Russia which is suspected of having reciprocated by supplying Tehran with detailed intelligence on US bases in the Middle East. Bases in Jordan have come under fire and British troops have been forced to shoot down incoming drones aimed at bases in northern Iraq throughout the crisis. The Russian Foreign Ministry denies involvement in the Leipzig plot.Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌Ursula von der LeyenMark RutteVladimir PutinEuropean UnionMiddle EastNatoForeign MinistryCold WarIran