US ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker described the attempted drone attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport as a deliberate hybrid act and urged allies to respond firmly. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov called accusations linking Moscow to the incident the start of a real war. Germany blames Russia for the August attempt, while Moscow denies involvement.
US ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker described the attempted drone attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport in August as a deliberate hybrid act. He said it was more concerning than violations involving Russian drones that strayed while targeting Ukraine. Whitaker argued that NATO members should not tolerate such actions and should send a strong message when challenged.[1], [2]
Germany blamed Russia on September 1 for the attempt at Leipzig/Halle Airport. German authorities said the operation sought to disrupt flights; the attempt failed, and officials pointed to defensive measures around the airport. Russia denies involvement. Whitaker said the United States would stand with countries confronting deliberate hybrid activity and urged allies to remain prepared and vigilant.[1], [2]
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov called Western accusations of Moscow's involvement in the Leipzig incident, in broad terms, the start of a real war. He linked the charge to Chancellor Friedrich Merz's plan to make Germany Europe's leading military power and claimed that this amounted to declaring war on Russia. The state news agency TASS carried the remarks. Moscow denies involvement in the incident.[1], [2]
