Macron warns hybrid attacks 'cannot go unanswered' after Leipzig plot
23:15, 01/09/2026, Tuesday
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French President Emmanuel MacronFrench President Emmanuel Macron warned on Tuesday that hybrid assaults across Europe must face consequences after Germany accused Moscow of orchestrating an attempted explosives-laden drone strike at Leipzig Airport, expressing full solidarity with Berlin and backing fresh EU sanctions against the Kremlin to strengthen support for Ukraine.
French President Emmanuel Macron declared on Tuesday that hybrid attacks across Europe "cannot go unanswered" after Berlin established Moscow's responsibility for an attempted drone strike at Leipzig Airport, vowing solidarity with Germany and backing fresh EU sanctions against Russia. Macron posted on X that "Germany has established Russia's responsibility for the serious incidents that occurred in Leipzig in early August. These hybrid attacks are multiplying in Europe. They cannot go unanswered," according to Anadolu Agency. He expressed full solidarity with Germany and voiced support for adopting new European sanctions targeting Moscow. "In the face of this escalation, we must be united, determined, and strengthen our support for Ukraine. France will continue to play its full part," he added.
Berlin accuses Russian intelligence services
German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt told reporters in Berlin that investigators determined the plot was planned by Russian intelligence services and executed by low-level operatives. Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, speaking at the same briefing, said he had summoned Russia's ambassador to deliver a formal protest and notify Moscow of the government's response. "The Russian Consulate General in Bonn will close on Sept. 18. The agreement regarding the Russian House in Berlin is being terminated," Wadephul stated. The Soviet-era cultural center has long been viewed by Western officials as a possible cover for intelligence work.
Targeted logistics hub and Russian denials
Leipzig Airport serves as a major freight hub and key logistics node for military cargo, including Ukrainian Antonov flights. Authorities revealed last week that the August attempt involved explosives and multiple drones targeting a Ukrainian cargo plane, marking a more serious operation than initially reported. Moscow has previously dismissed accusations of assassinations, sabotage and drone incursions in allied nations as Western-fueled "anti-Russian paranoia."