Germany’s response to the Russian-linked attempted drone attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport is facing criticism from European security figures and lawmakers who say diplomatic measures alone are not enough to deter Moscow. On Tuesday, Sept. 1, Berlin formally blamed Russia for the Aug. 4 incident, saying police investigations and intelligence findings showed people involved had acted on behalf of Russian state agencies.JOIN US ON TELEGRAMFollow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official. Germany ordered Russia’s Consulate General in Bonn closed, moved to terminate the agreement covering the Russian House cultural center in Berlin, tightened entry controls for Russian nationals, and pledged further intelligence and sanctions measures. Berlin stops short of calling it terrorism Despite directly attributing the plot to the Russian state, the German government stopped short of describing the attempted attack as state-sponsored terrorism. Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul called Russia the perpetrator of a “hybrid attack” and said Leipzig fitted a wider pattern of Russian destabilization, sabotage, and aggression against Europe. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt similarly described it as part of the “known pattern” of Russian hybrid operations. That language contrasted sharply with other European officials. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the Leipzig attack had “all the hallmarks of state-sponsored terrorism,” adding that European governments needed to discuss what more could be done in response.
Germany Faces Criticism Over Response to Russian Leipzig Plot
Berlin closed Russian facilities after the attempted attack, while critics said the response was only a minimum and called for tougher EU and NATO action.
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