Germany and Russia trade retaliatory closures after drone incident near Leipzig
Germany announced the closure of Russian diplomatic and cultural facilities after a suspected drone attack near Leipzig-Halle Airport, prompting Russia to shut German cultural institute branches in response.
German authorities reported an attempted attack in which three drones carrying explosive material were spotted at or near Leipzig-Halle Airport. One of the drones was found close to a Ukrainian Antonov aircraft used to transport munitions.
In response, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul announced a series of domestic countermeasures against Russia. Starting Sept. 18, Germany will close Russia's consulate in Bonn along with the Russian House cultural institution in Berlin.
Russia responded by saying it would close branches of the German cultural center, the Goethe-Institut, in Moscow, Saint Petersburg and Novosibirsk.
Rising tensions across Europe
The incident fits a broader pattern of suspected Russian activity targeting military and critical infrastructure across the EU in recent months. In August, two drones were spotted over a Bundeswehr site in Germany, while Poland is investigating a suspected arson attack at a drone factory near Warsaw as possible foreign sabotage.
German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt warned that the country has likely not yet seen the full scope of such attacks. He said Germany should assume it remains a target of further Russian hybrid attacks, and that there may be a willingness to cause even greater damage through such tactics.
