BERLIN: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has said a potentially disastrous drone attack on Leipzig/Halle Airport was narrowly prevented, accusing Russia of spending months preparing the operation.
Merz said the incident directly targeted Germany and could have caused substantial damage and loss of life. Leipzig/Halle is an important cargo hub and is also used for logistical operations connected with Ukraine. German authorities have been strengthening anti-drone protection around airports and other critical infrastructure following a series of suspicious UAV incidents.
The German chancellor said the fact that a major disaster had not occurred was due partly to chance. Berlin has increasingly accused Moscow of using sabotage, cyber operations and other forms of hybrid warfare against European states supporting Ukraine.
Russia has denied involvement. Moscow’s foreign minister rejected Germany’s accusations and issued a sharply worded response to Merz’s remarks.