GERMANY ORDERS CLOSURE OF RUSSIAN CONSULATE AFTER BLAMING MOSCOW FOR AIRPORT DRONE PLOT

Germany has ordered the closure of Russia’s Consulate General in Bonn following Berlin’s accusation that Moscow was responsible for an attempted drone attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport last month.

The German government said the incident, which occurred on August 4, was part of what it described as a broader Russian “hybrid attack” campaign against Germany and other European countries supporting Ukraine. The drone, which was carrying explosives, was discovered close to a Ukrainian aircraft at Leipzig/Halle Airport before German authorities successfully neutralised the device.

German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said the government had reached the conclusion that Russia was responsible for the attempted attack. Officials said the nature of the device and its configuration were consistent with methods previously associated with Russian hybrid operations.

Following the accusation, Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul announced a series of measures against Moscow. One of the major steps is the closure of Russia’s Consulate General in Bonn, which Germany said would take effect on September 18. Berlin also summoned the Russian ambassador over the incident.

Germany is also moving to terminate the agreement governing the Russian House in Berlin, a cultural institution that has operated as a centre for Russian cultural and public activities in the German capital.

The German government said the measures were intended to send a strong response without allowing the situation to escalate uncontrollably. Wadephul maintained that Germany was responding to what it considered an attack on its territory and infrastructure while still seeking to maintain a measured approach.

Moscow has rejected Germany’s allegations, describing the accusations as unfounded and politically motivated.

Russian officials have also criticised Berlin’s decision to impose diplomatic measures, warning that the closure of the Bonn consulate and other actions could further damage already strained relations between Germany and Russia.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Germany’s actions represented another step towards escalation, while former Russian president and Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev issued threats of possible retaliation against German defence-related targets following Berlin’s accusations.

The diplomatic confrontation comes against the backdrop of the wider war in Ukraine, which has severely damaged relations between Russia and Germany. Berlin has been one of Ukraine’s major European supporters, while Moscow has repeatedly accused Western countries of becoming directly involved in the conflict through military and financial assistance to Kyiv.

The incident has also prompted discussions within the European Union about possible additional measures against Russia.

EU foreign ministers are considering further sanctions targeting Russian individuals and entities, with German officials calling for continued pressure on Moscow. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the Leipzig incident showed characteristics of what could be considered state-sponsored terrorism.

The attempted attack has heightened concerns across Europe about alleged Russian sabotage, cyber operations, espionage and other forms of hybrid activity. European governments have increasingly warned that such operations could target critical infrastructure and facilities connected to their support for Ukraine.

NATO has also expressed support for Germany following the incident, as European governments continue to assess the security implications of suspected Russian operations on their territory.

For Germany, the closure of the Bonn consulate represents a significant diplomatic response to the airport incident and another deterioration in relations with Moscow. The move is expected to further reduce Russia’s diplomatic and cultural footprint in Germany as Berlin and its European partners consider additional measures against Russia.