Germany shuts Russian consulate over drone attack

The German government has ordered the closure of the Russian Consulate General in Bonn and announced other measures against Moscow following what it described as a Russian “hybrid attack” involving drones at Leipzig Airport.

Germany’s Foreign Minister, Johann Wadephul, announced the measures at a joint press conference with the country’s Interior Minister, Alexander Dobrindt, on Tuesday.

Wadephul accused Russia of engaging in a series of activities aimed at destabilising and intimidating Germany and other European countries.

“The dangerous conduct of the Russian Federation described just now is part of a long series of attempts to destabilise, spread disinformation, threaten, sabotage and show aggression towards Europe,” Wadephul said in a statement made available to our correspondent on Wednesday.

Unfortunately, Germany is no exception here. Russia’s leadership is treating our country with blatant hostility,” he added.

The minister, however, said Germany did not want its relations with Russia to deteriorate further, noting that the government had repeatedly called for an end to the war in Ukraine and the restoration of peace in Europe.

“However, this requires a minimum level of willingness to do so on the part of the Russians. We must acknowledge that Russia is displaying no willingness to compromise,” he said.

Wadephul said the attempted attack in Leipzig showed that the Russian leadership had made “a conscious decision to inflict further significant damage on our bilateral relations, which are already under tremendous strain.”

He said Germany would respond to the incident while working with its partners in NATO and the European Union.

“Germany remains secure, and Germany is defending itself against opponents who seek to spread insecurity,” Wadephul said.

“The Federal Government is therefore taking action against Russia as the perpetrator of the hybrid attack in Leipzig.”

Announcing the measures, the minister said the Russian Consulate General in Bonn would be closed from September 18.

“The lease for the Russian House in Berlin will be terminated,” he added.

Wadephul also said Germany would push for new European Union sanctions against Russian individuals allegedly linked to hybrid attacks.

He further announced measures to increase pressure on Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet”, while promising continued intelligence and defence cooperation with Germany’s allies.

Wadephul said Germany would also maintain its support for Ukraine and strengthen its own defence capabilities.

The minister disclosed that Germany had summoned the Russian Ambassador over the incident, adding that the government’s response was aimed at ensuring that Russia could not undermine Germany’s security or social cohesion.

“Our message to Russia’s leadership is clear: we are resolutely staying the course as regards our security policy actions. The attack in Leipzig highlights how urgent this is,” he said.

“We will not allow ourselves to be divided in our social cohesion or be intimidated by Russia’s attacks.”

He added that Germany would continue to work with its allies whenever necessary to protect its citizens and partners.

He also reaffirmed Germany’s solidarity with Ukraine, saying, “We will resolutely continue to show our solidarity with Ukraine in its battle to defend itself against Russia’s war of aggression.”