Germany Readies Response to Russian Hybrid Attack in Leipzig

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Berlin is finalizing its response to the suspected drone attack near a Ukrainian cargo plane at Leipzig/Halle Airport. He stressed that Germany is coordinating its decision with EU and NATO allies and that the response will be announced in the coming days.

This is reported by DW.

Merz said there was broad consensus within the German federal government on further action.

“There is a broad consensus in the federal government on how we should respond, and we will make our position clear in the coming days; this will happen soon,” the chancellor said.

He stressed that Germany’s partners in the EU and NATO will be informed of the planned measures.

“Partners in the European Union and NATO will not be surprised,” Merz explained.

It was previously reported that in the coming days the German government may accuse Russia of the incident and announce measures, including sanctions, agreed with EU partners.

The incident occurred on August 4 at Leipzig Airport. A drone with explosives was found near a Ukrainian Antonov cargo plane, which was being used to transport military cargo.

Germany has not yet officially named those responsible for the incident. However, German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt called the event a “hybrid attack scenario” and did not rule out the possible involvement of foreign states.

Earlier, journalists reported that German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is preparing to hold Russia responsible for the drone attack on a Ukrainian An-124 plane at Leipzig airport. Berlin plans to announce “wide-ranging” sanctions against Russian entities amid preparations for a new package of EU restrictions.

As is known, German intelligence agencies have linked the incident with a drone packed with explosives, which was discovered at the Leipzig/Halle airport, to Russia. At the same time, the German government has not yet officially accused Moscow, as the investigation is still ongoing. According to American intelligence, the design of the drone and the explosives had features characteristic of devices of the Russian GRU.

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