According to a media report, the German government believes Russia was behind the drone incident in Leipzig. Berlin plans to officially hold Moscow responsible in the coming days for the attempted explosive drone attack at the beginning of August, the newspaper Welt am Sonntag and the news portal Politico reported on Saturday, citing "three people familiar with the matter." Alongside the attribution, "extensive" measures are to be announced.
According to the reports, the response involves a combination of direct German measures and new EU sanctions. The announcement is therefore planned for early next week, running in parallel with the meeting of EU foreign ministers in Ireland on Tuesday. Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) could, however, also bring the decision forward.
A government spokesperson said the Chancellery does not take part in speculation. "What is solely relevant is the official attribution, which the federal government makes at its own discretion and after weighing all the findings of the investigation."
On the evening of 4 August, a drone loaded with explosives was discovered at Leipzig Airport. Several Ukrainian cargo aircraft were located nearby. Leipzig Airport is regarded as a transshipment point for military aid deliveries to Ukraine in the war against Russia. According to reports, several drones were deployed in Leipzig.
Merz said in an RTL interview on Thursday that the German government would name those responsible for the incident shortly. Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) has so far spoken only of "foreign powers."
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