Berlin: The German Government has ordered the closure of Russia’s Consulate General in Bonn effective September 18, following an alleged Russian ‘hybrid attack’ in Leipzig.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul announced the measure alongside Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt. The announcement was made in a statement issued by Felix Haala, Head of Press and Political Counsellor at the German Embassy in Abuja.
Wadephul indicated that the incident was part of a broader campaign by Russia involving destabilisation, disinformation, threats, and sabotage against Germany and Europe. He accused Russia’s leadership of ‘blatant hostility’ towards Germany, noting that the Leipzig incident would further strain already tense bilateral relations.
In addition to closing the consulate, the German Government has decided to terminate the lease for the Russian House in Berlin and has proposed new European Union sanctions against Russian individuals linked to alleged hybrid attacks. The government plans to tighten immigration controls for Russian nationals, increase pressure on Russia’s ‘shadow fleet’, and implement further measures in the intelligence sector.
Wadephul mentioned that the Russian ambassador had been summoned and informed of these measures. He emphasized Germany’s continued support for Ukraine and its commitment to strengthening defence capabilities while collaborating with NATO and EU partners to enhance deterrence strategies. “Hybrid attacks such as the one in Leipzig show that this is necessary,” Wadephul stated.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that German authorities discovered a drone carrying explosives near a Ukrainian aircraft at Leipzig/Halle Airport on August 4. The device was safely defused, with German officials describing the incident as a new level of danger.