Estonia summons Russian chargé d’affaires over drone incidents in Leipzig
Estonia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the chargé d’affaires of the Russian Federation — the aggressor state — to express its strong condemnation of the August drone incidents at Leipzig/Halle Airport in Germany. German authorities link these incidents to Russia, ERR News reports.
Estonia’s response
Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna stated that, according to confirmation from German authorities, drones carrying explosives were intended to attack a transport aircraft supplying Ukraine. In his view, this demonstrates Russia’s readiness to carry out attacks in Europe and beyond.
Tsahkna called the incidents part of a dangerous series of Russian provocations against Europe. According to him, Russia’s goal is to sow uncertainty, weaken the unity of Western allies and divert attention from support for Ukraine. Estonia also supported Germany’s countermeasures, including additional European Union sanctions.
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Three incidents at the airport
The incidents occurred on August 4–5 at Leipzig/Halle Airport, which ERR News describes as an important NATO logistics hub for supplying military aid to Ukraine. In the first case, a drone containing 800 grams of Semtex explosives was found near a Ukrainian An-124 cargo aircraft after the drone struck its wing. The explosives did not detonate.
In the second case, a cargo Boeing 757 sustained minor damage after colliding with a drone and was forced to divert to Hanover. Later, another drone containing 50 grams of RDX explosives was found in a field west of the airport.
Germany’s actions
According to ERR News, on Tuesday German authorities formally accused Russia of involvement in the incidents, calling them a hybrid attack. Germany also ordered the closure of the Russian consulate in Bonn and the Russian House in Berlin. Russia denied involvement and warned of retaliatory measures, while the EU announced plans to impose additional sanctions.
