The German government believes that the failed attack with an explosive-laden drone at Leipzig airport last month was carried out on behalf of Russia, Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said on Tuesday, with the government in Berlin shuttering two Russian bodies in response.
Dobrindt told reporters in Berlin that police investigations, patterns of criminal activity and intelligence findings point to Russian responsibility for the attempted attack on the airport.
The minister said the technology found at the scene and the interplay of individual elements had to be described as professional, and indicated a high degree of technical expertise and considerable organizational effort in the planning and execution of the attack.
"The final execution of the attempted attack can be attributed to the area of low-level agents," he said, adding: "Let me make this clear: We are not at war, but we are a daily target of hybrid warfare."
The Russian consulate general in Bonn is to be closed on September 18, and the lease for the Russian House, a Russian cultural institution in the heart of Berlin, will be terminated, Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said.
In addition, further individuals are to be added to EU sanctions lists and be subject to entry bans. Entry controls for Russian nationals are also to be tightened. Pressure on the so-called Russian shadow fleet will be increased, he said.
"Further measures in the field of intelligence" will also be taken, Wadephul said.
Wadephul ordered the Russian ambassador to be summoned to inform him of the measures.
Drone incident at German airport
Speculation had been rife for weeks that Moscow might be behind the August 4 incident, but Berlin has taken until now to officially identify a suspect, citing lengthy negotiations.
A drone fitted with explosives and a detonation mechanism was discovered on the evening of August 4 in the security zone of Leipzig/Halle Airport, between Ukrainian cargo aircraft, prompting a temporary halt to flights.
A short time later, a second unidentified flying object collided with a DHL cargo aircraft that had been unable to land due to the runway closure and was forced to abort its landing.
Russia denied involvement in the incident.
Dobrindt has now stated that the methods used - such as the drone configuration, the explosives and the detonation technology - are known to be employed by Russia. He attributed the attack to "low-level agents."
According to the Federal Public Prosecutor's Office, Russia is also suspected of repeatedly deploying such auxiliary agents in this country - recruited for relatively little money - to carry out sabotage or even prepare attacks. The aim often appears to be to undermine German support for Ukraine.
Russia vows to respond 'in kind'
Russia vowed to respond "in kind" to the German sanctions, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told dpa in Moscow on Tuesday evening.
Zakharova said the response would mirror those given to previous one-sided and unjust sanctions.
In previous instances, Russia has responded to punitive measures by EU and NATO states with tit-for-tat countermeasures.
The closure of the Russian House could be met with the closure of the German Goethe Institute cultural centre in Russia.
Zakharova also said that Moscow held Germany responsible for involvement in terrorist attacks on Russian citizens.
Germany is Ukraine's biggest supporter. "Berlin sponsors terrorism," she said, referring to Germany's weapons deliveries and billions in aid to Ukraine.
According to Dobrindt, people in Germany must brace themselves for further Russian actions. "We assume that Germany is the target of further hybrid attacks by Russia. It must also be assumed that there is a willingness to cause even greater damage through hybrid attacks," he said.
Wadephul emphasized that the central German government would not be deterred. "Germany is staying the course on security policy. The federal government is resolutely continuing its support for Ukraine and the strengthening of Germany's defence capabilities."
Chancellor Friedrich Merz endorsed the classification as an "attack" last week and announced a tough response. "They will pay for this," he said at the time.
It is no coincidence that Merz is now having the attribution of responsibility and the measures announced by two ministers from his Cabinet instead of making the announcement himself.
This leaves room for further action should relations with Russia escalate further. Dobrindt emphasized, however, that Merz had been "closely involved in all preparations and decisions."
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen pledged EU solidarity with Germany, saying that the EU would stand united against Russian aggression and would deter anyone who tried to undermine freedom and security in the bloc.
"We will keep the EU united despite these escalating and serious acts," she wrote on social media. The EU stood united and resolute against Russian aggression and would deter anyone who tried to undermine freedom and security in the EU, she said.
"Russia is seeking to sow distrust and fear among our societies. But it will fail. And we will stand by Ukraine for as long as it takes," she posted on X.
Von der Leyen said she spoke with Merz on Tuesday morning about the incident at Leipzig airport.
NATO chief welcomes German measures
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte welcomed the measures Germany plans to take, posting on X on Tuesday evening: "The evidence is clear."
"Russia's attempts to intimidate us, to undermine our unity and our willingness to support Ukraine are futile and will fail. Our support to Ukraine is unwavering, as is our ironclad commitment to NATO's collective defence," he said.
NATO would continue to strengthen its ability to deter and defend all allies against any threat, including malicious acts such as those in Leipzig and elsewhere in alliance territory, Rutte said.
Rutte said he also spoke with Merz on Tuesday about the drone incident. He said he would consult with von der Leyen on Wednesday.
