Germany Orders Closure of Russian Consulate Over Drone Attack

Germany has ordered the closure of the Russian Consulate General in Bonn following what the government described as a Russian “hybrid attack” involving drones at Leipzig Airport.

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul announced the measures alongside Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt at a joint press conference on Tuesday.

Wadephul accused Russia of conducting activities aimed at destabilising, intimidating and undermining Germany and other European countries.

He said the incident at Leipzig demonstrated that Russia had made a deliberate decision to inflict further damage on already strained bilateral relations.

The German government said the Russian Consulate General in Bonn would close from September 18.

Berlin will also terminate the lease of the Russian House, a cultural centre in the German capital.

Germany has summoned the Russian Ambassador over the incident and plans to push for additional European Union sanctions against Russian individuals allegedly linked to hybrid attacks.

Wadephul also announced measures aimed at increasing pressure on Russia’s so-called shadow fleet, while reaffirming Germany’s intelligence and defence cooperation with its NATO and EU partners.

The minister said Germany would continue supporting Ukraine and strengthen its own defence capabilities in response to security threats.

He stressed that Germany did not want relations with Russia to deteriorate further, but said Moscow had shown no willingness to compromise or contribute to restoring peace in Europe.

Wadephul said Germany remained secure and would defend itself against actions intended to create insecurity or weaken social cohesion.

He added that Berlin would continue working with its allies to protect its citizens and partners, while maintaining solidarity with Ukraine in its war against Russia.