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Germany attributes failed drone attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport to Russia and announces diplomatic retaliations

The German government has formally attributed the attempted drone attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport on August 4 to Russia. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt stated that forensic evidence and intelligence findings confirm Russia is responsible for the hybrid operation, noting that the drone was found with explosives but failed to detonate due to a faulty detonator. In response, Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul announced several measures, including the closure of the Russian consulate in Bonn and the Russian House cultural center in Berlin. The administration will also tighten entry restrictions for Russian nationals and propose additional sanctions through the European Union. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte expressed solidarity with Germany, stating that the evidence of Russian responsibility is clear. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also pledged to prepare additional sanctions against Russia. While Russia denied the allegations, calling the accusation "absurd," the Russian Embassy in Berlin described the measures as an unprecedented escalation in relations. The airport serves as a major logistics hub for NATO and Ukraine, making the incident a significant development in the ongoing hybrid warfare campaign across Europe.

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