The German government has said that Russia was behind an incident last month involving an explosive-laden drone at a strategic airport in the eastern city of Leipzig.
German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said that after assessing the technology used and other intelligence information, “the government concludes that Russia is responsible for the hybrid attack in Leipzig” on 4 August.
“We assume that Germany is the target of further hybrid attacks by Russia,” Mr Dobrindt said in a statement to the media.
The German government announced it would shut Russia’s consulate in Bonn and its cultural centre in Berlin in response to the alleged Russian attempted drone attack.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said she would discuss the attempted drone attack with NATO secretary general Mark Rutte.
In a post on social media platform X, she said that EU foreign ministers will prepare a response to the matter at their upcoming meeting.
“We are united in our resolve to stand against Russian aggression. We will deter anyone who seeks to undermine our freedom and security,” Ms von der Leyen wrote, adding the European Union was preparing additional sanctions against Russia.
Mr Rutte said NATO will keep on strengthening its ability to deter and defend its allies against any threat after the recent attempted drone attack in Leipzig.
“The evidence is clear. And I welcome the measures announced by Germany in response.
“NATO stands in full solidarity with Germany after the Russian hybrid attack in Leipzig on 4 August,” Mr Rutte said in a post on X.