Overview
- German leaders say a drone incident at Leipzig represents a new phase of Russian hybrid warfare and have announced hard diplomatic measures in response.
- The government ordered the closure of Russian diplomatic and cultural posts in Germany and plans to centralize consular services in Berlin, a move that will affect Russian nationals living in the country.
- The Federal Public Prosecutor (Bundesanwaltschaft) is conducting an ongoing criminal investigation into the Leipzig attack but has not publicly attributed the operation to the Russian state.
- The EU is preparing a large sanctions package targeting roughly 1,600 people and firms tied to Russia’s military‑industrial complex, and NATO has publicly backed Germany, while Moscow denies involvement and has summoned the German diplomat in Moscow and threatened reciprocal steps.
- Berlin says it is keeping further response options ready, including undisclosed measures against a so‑called 'shadow fleet' and NATO consultations, leaving the situation poised for possible escalation depending on Russia’s next moves.