Germany Escalates Military Response to Russian Sabotage Operations

• •Germany attributes a drone attack at Leipzig Airport to Russia, marking a shift in policy.
• •New legislation will expand the BND's powers to counter cyber operations and sabotage.
• •Germany plans to send thousands of drones and missiles to support Ukraine's defense.

Germany is intensifying military and intelligence support for Ukraine in response to a Russian sabotage operation at Leipzig/Halle Airport, which involved an explosive-laden drone. The German government has publicly attributed the attack to Russia and is preparing to send thousands of attack drones and missiles to Ukraine. New legislation is expected to expand the powers of Germany's Federal Intelligence Service (BND) to counter hostile cyber operations and sabotage. The proposed measures include the ability to access adversaries' computers and disrupt supply chains. Germany's diplomatic actions include closing the Russian consulate in Bonn and tightening border controls for Russian citizens. This marks a significant shift in Germany's approach to hybrid threats from Russia, with officials stating that the Leipzig incident is part of a broader pattern of aggression. The measures come after a critical tip from a foreign intelligence service linked the attack to Russian intelligence agencies.