Berlin: The Russian Embassy in Germany on Tuesday dismissed Berlin's allegations concerning an attempted drone attack at Leipzig Airport as 'unsubstantiated, absurd and irrational.' The embassy, through a Telegram post, accused Berlin of systematically dismantling Russian-German cooperation frameworks.
According to Anadolu Agency, the embassy reported that Russia's ambassador to Germany was summoned to the Foreign Ministry, where he was presented with a protest over Russia's alleged involvement in the explosive-laden drone incident on August 5. The embassy criticized German authorities for blaming Russia without evidence and imposing sanctions under the pretext of Moscow's 'escalating hybrid attacks.'
As part of the sanctions, Germany announced the closure of Russia's Consulate General in Bonn by September 18 and the termination of a 2011 agreement covering cultural and information centers, including the Russian House in Berlin. The Russian ambassador denounced these actions as an 'unprecedented escalation' and warned that Germany would bear full responsibility for future consequences.
The embassy's statement emphasized that the alleged provocation at Leipzig Airport served the interests of the Kyiv regime, certain European political factions, and military-industrial magnates. In a separate statement, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova warned that Germany would receive a 'fitting response' for its decision to close the Russian House and Consulate General.
Speaking to state news agency Tass, Zakharova accused Berlin of escalating bilateral tensions using a 'far-fetched pretext,' pointing out that Germany had not provided convincing evidence against Russia. She further accused Germany of fueling the Ukraine conflict and participating in what she termed terrorist attacks, stating that Moscow would respond to all 'anti-Russian' decisions.
These developments follow Germany's accusations against Russia regarding the attempted drone attack at Leipzig Airport and the subsequent announcement of extensive sanctions against Moscow. German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt claimed that the plot was orchestrated by Russian intelligence services and executed by low-level operatives. Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul confirmed this stance, notifying Moscow of the government's measures and citing the closure of diplomatic and cultural entities as part of the response.