UK slams Russian ‘drone attack’ in Germany, Putin reacts

The United Kingdom has denounced Russia’s “egregious and reckless attack” in Leipzig, Germany, reiterating Europe’s resolve to counter any assault on regional security.

“Russian attempts to undermine our united resolve and our willingness to support Ukraine are futile and doomed to fail,” Prime Minister Andy Burnham stressed on Tuesday.

Burnham commended the “strong measures” taken by the German government, reiterating that London’s pledge to continue supporting Ukraine amid Russia’s invasion remains ironclad.

“The evidence is clear,” NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte wrote on X, assuring that the alliance is determined to strengthen its ability to deter and defend all allies against any threat.

Germany accused Russia of being culpable for last month’s failed attack involving an explosive-laden drone at Leipzig Airport and has announced several actions against Moscow.

Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt confirmed that the country’s threat level assessment had been raised from “general” to “high,” with increased monitoring of Russians.

Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul ordered the closure of the Russian consulate in Bonn, while the government terminated the lease for the Russian House of Science and Culture in Berlin.

In his response, after attending the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit, President Vladimir Putin declared that the evidence presented against Moscow had been fabricated.

Putin called Berlin’s punitive measures “a serious mistake,” suggesting that Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s government was trying to divert attention from domestic politics ahead of upcoming elections.

“Merz has lost the trust of citizens because he is not protecting Germany’s national interests,” he said at a press conference in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan.