Key facts
- Germany officially accused Russia of attempting a drone attack on Leipzig Airport.
- The incident involved drones discovered on August 4, with one colliding with a cargo plane.
- Another drone reportedly carried explosives intended for a Ukrainian Airlines cargo plane.
- President Zelensky offered Ukraine's assistance to Germany in expertise and experience.
- This marks the first time Germany has directly blamed Russia for such an attack on its territory.
Ukraine has reaffirmed its commitment to support Germany after Berlin officially accused Russia of orchestrating a drone attack on Leipzig Airport. President Volodymyr Zelensky stated on September 2 that Ukraine is prepared to offer expertise and experience to assist Germany, following a phone call with Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
The incident involved drones discovered at Leipzig/Halle Airport on August 4. One drone collided with a cargo plane, while another reportedly carried explosives intended for a Ukrainian Airlines Antonov cargo plane based in Leipzig. German officials linked the drones to Russia by comparing their components to those used in previous hybrid attacks.
On September 1, the German government formally accused a Russian intelligence service of the attempted drone attack, marking the first direct accusation by Germany against Russia for such an act on its soil. German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt cited clear indications from intelligence services and investigations as evidence of Russian involvement, calling it a Russian escalation.
During their conversation, Zelensky and Merz also discussed the potential signing of a "Drone Deal" between the two nations. The Kremlin has denied responsibility for the Leipzig incident and accused Germany of escalating tensions. Western officials have expressed growing concern over a rise in suspected Russian-linked sabotage, arson, and cyberattacks across Europe.