Berlin/Moscow, September 2: Russia has strongly rejected Germany’s accusation that Moscow was behind an attempted drone attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport last month, calling the allegations “absurd” and “baseless” and describing Germany’s response as an unprecedented escalation in bilateral relations.

The Russian Embassy in Germany said the accusations were an “unsubstantiated provocation” and alleged that the claims would benefit Ukraine, European military interests and arms manufacturers.

Germany, however, said its intelligence and police investigations had established Russian responsibility for the attempted attack. German authorities alleged that individuals involved in the incident were acting on behalf of Russian state agencies.

In response, Berlin announced a series of measures against Russia, including the closure of Russia’s consulate in Bonn and the termination of an agreement concerning the Russian House cultural centre in Berlin. Germany also said it would seek additional European Union sanctions and travel restrictions against Russian nationals.

Moscow warned that Germany’s actions would not go unanswered and said Berlin would bear full responsibility for what it described as a further deterioration in relations between the two countries.

The dispute represents another significant escalation in tensions between Russia and Germany, amid wider European concerns over alleged Russian hybrid operations, sabotage and attacks targeting critical infrastructure.

Source: Reuters