A drone carrying explosives at Leipzig Airport was meant to divert attention from Germany's problems, according to Putin
Russian dictator Vladimir Putin stated that the incident involving a drone carrying explosives at the Leipzig airport could allegedly be linked to the domestic political situation in Germany.
Putin commented on Berlin’s accusations regarding Russia’s possible involvement in the drone incident, stating that the German authorities are apparently trying to use this situation to divert attention from domestic problems.
The Kremlin leader linked the German authorities’ reaction to the chancellor’s allegedly difficult position and the domestic political situation in the country.
“As for the German authorities’ actions—I think this is primarily related to the domestic political situation. The chancellor is in a difficult position; she lacks the trust of her citizens—and it’s clear why: because she doesn’t defend national interests, but rather trades them away,” Putin said.
He also claimed that businesses are closing in Germany, people are losing their jobs, and the standard of living is allegedly declining.
“It’s not even clear why they’re doing all this. There’s only one possible explanation—that they need to stand up to an aggressive Russia,” the Russian leader said.
In the wake of the incident, the Russian ambassador was summoned to the German Foreign Ministry.
Commenting on Berlin’s accusations regarding Russia’s possible involvement, the Russian diplomat called them “absurd.”
He described the drone incident itself as a “provocation” which, he claimed, allegedly serves the interests of Ukraine, European “hawks,” and representatives of the defense-industrial complex.
At the same time, the statements by Putin and the Russian ambassador represent the Russian side’s position. Their assertions regarding Germany’s motives and the circumstances of the incident do not, in and of themselves, constitute confirmation of these versions of events.
This is being reported by Russian state media.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte praised the German government’s measures in response to Russia’s hybrid attacks and declared the Alliance’s full solidarity with Berlin.
As a reminder, Berlin is prepared to officially hold Russia responsible for the attempted drone attack in Leipzig. Germany is also considering imposing direct sanctions against Russian entities. Specifically, the Russian Consulate General in Bonn will be closed, the agreement regarding the “Russian House” in Berlin will be terminated, Berlin will propose new lists of individuals from Russia to the European Union for sanctions in the context of hybrid attacks and will tighten entry controls for Russian citizens. Germany has also announced that it will increase pressure on Russia’s “shadow fleet.”
