Jens Asbjørn Bøgen
The German authorities have announced the closure of the Russian consulate in Bonn following the investigation.
Early last month, security crews at Leipzig/Halle Airport made a terrifying discovery on the runway.
An unmanned aircraft loaded with high explosives sat dangerously close to cargo planes used by Ukrainian transport operations.
A faulty triggering mechanism meant the device did not detonate, but local investigators suspect a second drone collided with a nearby cargo aircraft, while workers discovered a third device ten days later.
Since then, German authorities have investigated the incident, and at a press meeting Tuesday, the authorities publicly pointed the finger at Moscow.
According to the BBC, Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt confirmed that intelligence findings prove Russian involvement in the failed sabotage attempt, warning that more attacks could follow.
Putin: Germany planted evidence
Unsurprisingly, the Kremlin denied having anything to do with the incident.
According to CNN, Vladimir Putin said after the German presentation that it was, in fact, Germany that had planted evidence to blame Moscow.
He did not provide any evidence for the accusations, but according to Reuters, Putin argued that the German government planted evidence in order to blame Russia because of falling approval ratings.
Spokesperson Maria Zakharova vowed that Moscow would respond with mirror-image measures. Denouncing the German government’s military backing of Kyiv, she declared that “Berlin is sponsoring terrorism” in a statement to news outlets.
Berlin moved rapidly to penalize the Kremlin. Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul announced the closure of Russia’s consulate in Bonn, alongside the termination of a contract for a Berlin cultural center long suspected of housing espionage networks.
Pressure from all sides
International partners rallied around Germany following the announcement. NATO chief Mark Rutte noted that the military alliance “stands in full solidarity with Germany” as European leaders begin prepping additional sanctions against Russian interests.
The incident arrives during a delicate political period for German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Right-wing opposition parties are gaining momentum in eastern state elections while calling for an end to Ukrainian support and a restoration of Russian ties.
Critics within Merz’s own party argue the government’s response remains far too weak. Lawmaker Roderich Kiesewetter publicly demanded stronger action, warning that Moscow simply laughs when diplomats are summoned.
