Key facts
- Germany officially blamed Russian intelligence for an attempted drone attack on a Ukrainian cargo plane at Leipzig/Halle Airport on August 4.
- Retaliatory measures include closing Russia's consulate general in Bonn and the Russian House cultural center in Berlin.
- Germany is investigating a separate sabotage attempt on a substation in Bergheim and damage to power lines in Brandenburg.
- Germany successfully tested an Israeli LORA ballistic missile with a range of up to 500 km.
- The EU will work on imposing further sanctions on Russian individuals in the coming weeks.
Germany has officially accused Russian intelligence of attempting a drone attack on a Ukrainian cargo plane at Leipzig/Halle Airport on August 4. The drone, reportedly equipped with explosives, was intended to strike the Ukrainian Antonov cargo plane. German officials indicated that the drone's configuration, components, explosives, and fuel were consistent with those used by Russia in other hybrid operations.
In response, Germany announced retaliatory measures, including the closure of Russia's consulate general in Bonn and the termination of its agreement with the Russian House cultural center in Berlin. Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha echoed the call for a strong response, urging a "decisive strategy" to counter Russian threats and warning that unpunished incidents would embolden the aggressor.
Separately, Germany is investigating a sabotage attempt on a substation in Bergheim, which occurred on Tuesday. Rockets carrying conductive material also damaged power lines in Brandenburg on the same day.
Concurrently, Germany successfully tested an Israeli-built LORA ballistic missile in the North Atlantic, a system with a range of up to 500 km. Navy chief Jan Christian Kaack stated the test was a success and marks a new chapter in Germany's deterrence and maritime defense readiness. Germany is also developing an upgraded version of its Taurus cruise missile, with production scheduled to start in 2029.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul stated that the European Union will work on imposing further sanctions on Russian individuals in the coming weeks, emphasizing increased pressure on Russia and continued high-level support for Ukraine.