Alexander Dobrindt Identifies Explosive-Laden Drone as New Hybrid Threat to German Infrastructure
German interior minister Alexander Dobrindt stated that an explosive-laden drone discovered at the Leipzig/Halle airport represents a "new threat scenario" in the context of hybrid warfare. The drone was found in a restricted cargo area, causing a partial closure of one of Europe's largest cargo hubs and forcing the diversion of several aircraft, including those belonging to the German logistics firm DHL. While the incident prompted a counterterrorism investigation, Dobrindt noted that thesese threats are not always immediately clear in their origin. Lithuanian intelligence suggests that Vladimir Putin is using captured Ukrainian drones to stage provocative "false flag" operations to reduce NATO support for Ukraine. These maneuvers are intended to draw attention away from the conflict and target infrastructure across Europe. Simultaneously, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has appealed to allies for more air defense missiles, noting that supplies are three times less than needed for 2025. He urged partners to include Donald Trump in the calls for increased production and localization of missiles in Ukraine.