The drone, which was discovered by airport staff on August 4, was equipped with explosives and was near Ukrainian cargo planes. The device was defused.
According to Alexander Dobrindt, the incident follows the “pattern of Russian hybrid attacks.”
Cultural center closed
Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul announced at the press conference that the Russian consulate in Bonn will be closed as of September 18. He also said that the lease for the Russian House, a cultural center in Berlin, will be terminated.
"We are tightening entry controls for Russian citizens," says Wadephul.
Germany will also propose that more Russians be added to the EU's sanctions lists and promises tougher pressure on Russia's so-called shadow fleet.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has spoken to Chancellor Friedrich Merz about the incident.
"NATO stands in full solidarity with Germany after the Russian hybrid attack," Rutte writes in a post on X and continues:
“Russia’s attempts to intimidate us, to undermine our unity and our willingness to support Ukraine are futile and will fail. Our support for Ukraine is unwavering, as is our unwavering commitment to NATO’s collective defense.”
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen says on social media that she will speak with Rutte on Wednesday and that further sanctions against Russia will be discussed within the EU.
“We stand united”
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson (M) writes on X that he is in close contact with Merz.
"Sweden fully supports the strong measures taken by the German government. We stand united and we will continue to support our ally and neighbor," Kristersson writes, adding that he will convene Sweden's National Security Council on Wednesday.
The prime minister says that Russia “wants to scare us”, but that it will “fail”.
Russia has not yet commented on the matter.
Leipzig/Halle Airport is both an internationally important airport and crucial for deliveries of military equipment to Ukraine.
NATO's strategic efforts, including an airlift (Salis), operate from Leipzig Airport with essentially daily deliveries to NATO groups in the Ukrainian vicinity: from Finland to Romania.
