GERMANY ORDERS CLOSURE OF RUSSIAN CONSULATE OVER LEIPZIG DRONE ATTACK
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By; Sunmola Ganiyat
Germany has ordered the closure of the Russian Consulate General in Bonn following what it described as a Russian “hybrid attack” involving drones at Leipzig Airport.
The German Foreign Minister, Johann Wadephul, announced the measure alongside Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt at a joint press conference on Tuesday.
Wadephul accused Russia of pursuing activities aimed at destabilising and intimidating Germany and other European countries, including disinformation, sabotage and other forms of aggression.
He said the incident in Leipzig was part of a broader pattern of hostile activities by Moscow against Germany and Europe.
“Unfortunately, Germany is no exception here. Russia’s leadership is treating our country with blatant hostility,” Wadephul said.
The minister, however, stressed that Germany did not want relations with Russia to deteriorate further, noting that Berlin had repeatedly called for an end to the war in Ukraine and the restoration of peace in Europe.
He said achieving peace would require a willingness to compromise from Russia, which he claimed was currently lacking.
According to Wadephul, the Leipzig incident demonstrated that Russia had deliberately chosen to further damage already strained bilateral relations.
He said Germany would respond firmly to the incident while coordinating its actions with its partners in NATO and the European Union.
As part of the measures, Germany will close the Russian Consulate General in Bonn from September 18, while the lease for the Russian House in Berlin will also be terminated.
Wadephul further announced that Germany would push for additional European Union sanctions against Russian individuals allegedly involved in hybrid attacks.
He said Berlin would also increase pressure on Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet” and continue intelligence and defence cooperation with its allies.
Germany, he added, would maintain its support for Ukraine while strengthening its own defence capabilities.
The minister disclosed that the Russian Ambassador had been summoned over the incident, stressing that Germany’s response was intended to prevent Moscow from undermining the country’s security and social cohesion.
Wadephul reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to working with its allies to protect its citizens and partners, while reiterating Berlin’s solidarity with Ukraine in its war against Russia.
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