CDU Security Expert: Russia Is Playing a Game Without Rules

Marc Henrichmann (CDU), chairman of the Bundestag’s Intelligence Oversight Committee, does not consider Russia’s statement regarding the explosive-laden drone at Leipzig/Halle Airport to be credible. “Russia has long since lost its credibility, especially when you look at Ukraine, where attacks in violation of international law are happening so frequently that it’s hard to keep track,” he said on ZDF’s “heute journal update.” “And the fact that Russia is playing a game without rules there is hardly a new revelation.”

Embassy Warns Against “Anti-Russian Hysteria”

On Friday evening, the Russian Embassy in Berlin referred to the drone incident at Leipzig/Halle Airport as a provocation directed against Moscow. “It is obvious that this hastily cobbled-together provocation serves exclusively the goals of Kyiv and the militaristic wing of the European political class,” Russia’s diplomatic mission stated on Telegram. At the same time, the embassy warned of a “new wave of anti-Russian hysteria in Germany.”

According to the statement, the embassy believes Ukraine—which lacks weapons—is behind the hybrid attack. Ukraine and European governments need justifications to continue “channeling unlimited financial resources into the hands of a corrupt regime,” the Russian Embassy’s statement said. 

Is Russia making a shift toward the West?

Henrichmann, however, said with regard to Russian President Vladimir Putin: “Here is someone who has become bogged down in Ukraine.” Russia’s war of aggression is stalling. “And it has long been predicted that this would lead to a shift toward the West, toward NATO, toward the EU.” That is happening now. “We must be prepared to defend ourselves and put Russia in its place,” said Henrichmann. 

Late Tuesday evening at Leipzig/Halle Airport, a drone equipped with explosives and a detonator was discovered near Ukrainian transport aircraft and brought down by an employee. Shortly afterward, an aircraft that took off following the closure collided with an unknown smaller flying object, possibly a second drone.

Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) referred to a “hybrid” attack by “foreign powers”—and did not hold Russia responsible. The Federal Public Prosecutor’s Office is investigating on suspicion of attempted detonation of explosives and dangerous interference with air traffic, the Karlsruhe-based agency announced.