Germany blames Russia for Leipzig airport drone attack, orders Russian consulate closed

The German government on Tuesday blamed Russia for an attempted attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport last month using a drone laden with explosives, and announced that it would shut down a Russian consulate among other measures against Moscow. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte and EU chief Ursula von der Leyen vowed "full solidarity" with Berlin in response. "NATO will continue to strengthen our ability to deter and defend all Allies against any threat – including malign actions like those seen in Leipzig and elsewhere across the Alliance," Rutte wrote on X following talks with Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Rutte said Berlin had put forward "clear" evidence of Moscow's role in the "hybrid attack" and welcomed the measures announced in response. "Russia's attempts to intimidate us, to undermine our unity and our willingness to support Ukraine are futile and will fail," he added. The European Commission president, who likewise spoke with Merz, vowed to "keep the EU united despite these escalating and serious acts". "I assured him that the EU stands in full solidarity with Germany in the face of this attack by Russia," von der Leyen wrote on X. "The German government has taken strong measures...