Germany is stepping up measures against Russian influence and hybrid operations following law enforcement findings pointing to Russia’s involvement in a drone attack at Leipzig Airport.
This was reported by the Centre for Countering Disinformation.
The country announced the closure of the Russian Consulate General in Bonn and the shutdown of the Russian House in Berlin. The CCD notes that the latter, under the guise of cultural exchange, promotes Russian narratives and interests abroad.
Germany also announced tougher sanctions and increased migration pressure on Russia.
The decision was taken against the backdrop of an investigation into the drone attack at Leipzig Airport on 4 August. Based on its results, the German side places responsibility for the attack on Russia.
Germany’s Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said the events in Leipzig fit into a broader picture of Russian hybrid operations in Europe.
According to the CCD, Moscow regularly uses sabotage and other hybrid methods as a tool of pressure on European states. Targets of such operations include critical infrastructure, defence enterprises and facilities linked to supporting Ukraine.
The Centre stresses that the Kremlin’s aim is to create a sense of danger, spread fear and distrust in societies, and provoke divisions in Europe over continued support for Ukraine.
- Berlin officially accused Moscow over the 4 August incident in which three explosive-laden drones were found near Leipzig/Halle Airport. Germany announced diplomatic measures in response and plans to push for new EU sanctions. Russia denies any involvement.
- The first drone was found near a Ukrainian Antonov cargo aircraft. According to investigators, the drone was fitted with explosives and may have been intended to attack the plane. However, its detonator likely failed to go off.
- Another drone, according to a preliminary version, may have collided with a DHL cargo aircraft. Because the airport was closed, the plane was forced to go around. However, investigators are increasingly doubtful that the aircraft’s damage was in fact caused by a drone.
- On 14 August, German investigators found a third drone, which was likely linked to a failed attempt to attack Leipzig/Halle Airport. Traces of a military explosive were found nearby.
- US intelligence linked the drone at the German airfield in Leipzig to Russia’s GRU.