Germany accuses Russia of attempted drone attack at Leipzig airport

The German government has officially blamed Russia for an attempted drone attack at Leipzig/Halle airport on August 4, 2026. The incident involved an explosive-laden drone found near a Ukrainian Antonov transport aircraft, with a second device reportedly colliding with an aircraft in the area. German investigators identified two suspects—a man of Russian origin with a Latvian passport and a Belarusian national—noting that the operation required professional technical expertise and organizational support linked to Russian intelligence.

In response, German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt and Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul announced retaliatory measures, including the closure of the Russian consulate in Bonn and the Russian cultural centre in Berlin. The German government is also proposing additional EU sanctions. Moscow has categorically rejected the allegations, labeling them a "fabricated provocation" and a move to distract from Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s declining domestic popularity. The Russian Foreign Ministry summoned the German charge d'affaires in response to these "anti-Russian actions.

European leaders and NATO have expressed full solidarity with Germany. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas characterized the attempt as state-sponsored terrorism and confirmed that additional sanctions against the Russian military-industrial complex are under consideration. Tensions remain high as both nations warn of further consequences, while the investigation into the sabotage attempt continues.