Germany has announced a raft of diplomatic and security measures against Russia following alleged drone incidents at Leipzig Airport, accusing Moscow of carrying out a hybrid attack aimed at destabilising the country.
The measures include the closure of the Russian Consulate General in Bonn, termination of the lease for the Russian House in Berlin, tighter immigration controls for Russian nationals and a push for additional European Union sanctions against individuals linked to alleged hybrid attacks.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul announced the measures in his speech made available to journalists on Thursday in Abuja' during a joint press conference with Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt.
Wadephul said the alleged attempted attack in Leipzig was part of a wider pattern of activities by Russia, including disinformation, sabotage, intimidation and other actions aimed at undermining security across Europe.
He accused the Russian leadership of treating Germany with “blatant hostility,” describing the Leipzig incident as a further deterioration in the already strained relationship between Berlin and Moscow.
“The dangerous conduct of the Russian Federation is part of a long series of attempts to destabilise, spread disinformation, threaten, sabotage and show aggression towards Europe,” Wadephul said.
“Germany is no exception.”
The Foreign Minister said the German government regretted the current state of relations with Russia, stressing that Berlin had consistently sought an end to the war in Ukraine and a return to peace and constructive relations in Europe.
However, he said Russia had shown no willingness to compromise.
According to Wadephul, Moscow’s actions had instead continued to deepen tensions, with the alleged Leipzig attack representing what he described as a deliberate escalation.
He said Germany would respond firmly while working closely with its partners in the European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO).
“Germany remains secure, and Germany is defending itself against opponents who seek to spread insecurity,” Wadephul said.
He announced that the Russian Consulate General in Bonn would be shut down from September 18, while the German government would terminate the lease for the Russian House in Berlin.
Germany will also propose additional EU sanctions against Russian individuals allegedly connected with hybrid attacks.
Other measures include stricter immigration controls for Russian nationals and increased pressure on Russia’s so-called shadow fleet.
Wadephul said the Federal Government would also strengthen intelligence operations and continue efforts to enhance Germany’s defence capabilities.
The government, he added, would maintain its civilian and military support for Ukraine while working with NATO allies to strengthen deterrence against Russia.
“Hybrid attacks such as the one in Leipzig show that this is necessary,” he said.
Germany, according to the Foreign Minister, has received assurances of solidarity from its NATO and EU partners and will continue to coordinate its response with allied governments.
He said the German government remained committed to maintaining unity within both organisations amid growing concerns over security threats in Europe.
As part of Berlin’s diplomatic response, Wadephul said he had directed that the Russian Ambassador be summoned to formally convey Germany’s position.
“The Federal Government will notify Russia through the appropriate channels,” he said, adding that the summons was taking place during the press conference.
The Foreign Minister said Germany would not allow alleged Russian activities to intimidate its citizens or weaken social cohesion.
“We will not allow ourselves to be divided in our social cohesion or be intimidated by Russia’s attacks,” Wadephul said.
He stressed that Germany and its allies were prepared to respond decisively to any threats to their populations and security interests.
Wadephul also reaffirmed Berlin’s continued support for Ukraine, saying Germany would remain committed to helping Kyiv defend itself against Russia’s war.
“Our message to Russia’s leadership is clear: we are resolutely staying the course,” he said.
The German government said its latest measures were intended to make it more difficult for further hybrid operations to be carried out in Germany and other European countries while reinforcing cooperation with NATO and EU partners.