Key facts
- Germany has blamed Russia for an attempted drone attack at Leipzig airport.
- The incident has intensified political polarization in Germany regarding its ties to Moscow.
- The far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party, leading in polls for an upcoming regional vote, advocates for closer ties with Russia and the resumption of its energy imports.
- The attack occurred amidst ongoing investigations into other sabotage incidents targeting Germany's infrastructure.
- Moscow has denied involvement and accused Germany of attempting to deflect from domestic issues.
Germany's political landscape is deeply divided over its relationship with Russia, a polarization starkly illuminated by the alleged Russian drone attack on Leipzig airport. The incident, which occurred just days before a crucial regional election in Saxony-Anhalt, has brought the issue of German-Moscow ties to the forefront.
The far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD), currently leading national polls and in Saxony-Anhalt, has consistently called for closer ties with the Kremlin and the resumption of Russian oil and gas imports, despite Russia's ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This stance contrasts sharply with the government's position, which has attributed the Leipzig attack to Russia.
Adding to the tension, Germany has experienced a second sabotage assault on its electricity grid within 24 hours, raising concerns about hybrid warfare. While investigations are ongoing and authorities caution against premature conclusions, Moscow has denied responsibility, accusing Berlin of using the incidents to distract from domestic problems, including the rise of the far-right and infrastructure failures.
The AfD has criticized the government's handling of the situation, accusing it of "sorting acts of sabotage according to political expediency" and employing double standards, particularly in comparison to the unresolved Nord Stream pipeline attack. The party advocates for dialogue with Moscow, the lifting of sanctions, and reduced support for Ukraine.
Within the center-right CDU, there are increasing calls for a tougher stance against Moscow, with some members expressing frustration over what they perceive as Germany's long-standing, romanticized view of Russia and its reliance on trade and energy pipelines. Experts like Roderich Kiesewetter argue that Germany must abandon its caution regarding "Russian state terrorism on German soil" and its "romantic notion of Russia as a great cultural nation."
Meanwhile, the far-left Die Linke has criticized the government's retaliatory measures, such as closing Russian consulates, arguing they do not enhance security and could escalate the risk of a wider conflict. The upcoming regional election in Saxony-Anhalt, where the AfD is polling around 42%, could see the formation of the first far-right-led administration in Germany since World War II, intensifying the pressure on the CDU.