According to media reports, the German government believes Russia was behind the drone incident in Leipzig.
Berlin is planning to officially hold Moscow responsible in the coming days for the attempted attack involving an explosives-laden drone in early August. This was reported on Saturday by Welt am Sonntag and Politico, citing three people familiar with the matter. According to the reports, “extensive” measures are to be announced at the same time.
The measures are reportedly expected to combine direct action by Germany with new EU sanctions. The announcement is planned for early next week, coinciding with Tuesday’s meeting of EU foreign ministers in Ireland. However, Chancellor Friedrich Merz could also bring the decision forward.
A government spokesman said that the chancellor would not engage in speculation. “The only thing that matters is the official attribution made by the federal government itself on the basis of the investigation’s findings.”
On the evening of 4 August, a drone carrying explosives was found at Leipzig Airport. Several Ukrainian cargo aircraft were in the vicinity at the time. Leipzig Airport is regarded as an important hub for military aid deliveries to Ukraine. According to reports, several drones were deployed in Leipzig.
As recently as Thursday, Merz said in an interview with RTL Germany that the federal government would soon identify those responsible for the incident. Interior Minister Dobrindt had so far referred only to “foreign powers.”
